WHO Requests More Data from China on Rising Respiratory Illnesses

China
Chinese health authorities have not detected any unusual or novel pathogens.
The increase in illnesses is linked to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the circulation of known pathogens.
The rise in illnesses, which have been compared to influenza, began in mid-October.
The WHO has requested more data from China regarding an increase in respiratory illnesses, particularly in the north of the country.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has requested additional data from China in response to a recent increase in respiratory illnesses, particularly in the northern regions of the country. The rise in illnesses, which have been compared to influenza, began in mid-October. The WHO has specifically requested information on clusters of pneumonia in children.

Chinese health authorities have not detected any unusual or novel pathogens. The data suggests the increase is linked to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions along with the circulation of known pathogens like mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common bacterial infection that typically affects younger children. This pathogen has been in circulation since May. Other pathogens such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and adenovirus have also been in circulation since October.

Hospitals in Beijing have seen a surge in patients, especially in children's wards. Schools are also reporting high levels of absenteeism. Health officials are concerned that winter will exacerbate the spread of the infections. Chinese authorities have advised people to reinforce practices from the COVID-19 pandemic era, such as rigorous handwashing, wearing masks, and social distancing.

The WHO has previously criticized China for lack of transparency and cooperation during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, no unusual pathogens have been detected in the capital of Beijing and the northeastern province of Liaoning.


Confidence

95%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

98%

  • Unique Points
    • The data suggests the increase is linked to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions along with the circulation of known pathogens like mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common bacterial infection that typically affects younger children and which has circulated since May.
    • Influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and adenovirus have also been in circulation since October.
    • No unusual pathogens have been detected in the capital of Beijing and the northeastern province of Liaoning.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

94%

  • Unique Points
    • The illnesses have been likened to influenza and have been on the rise since mid-October.
    • The WHO has previously criticized China for lack of transparency and cooperation during the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (90%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

93%

  • Unique Points
    • Hospitals in Beijing have seen a surge in patients, especially in children's wards.
    • Schools are also reporting high levels of absenteeism.
    • Health officials are concerned that winter will exacerbate the spread of the infections.
    • Chinese authorities have advised people to reinforce practices from the COVID-19 pandemic era, such as rigorous handwashing, wearing masks and social distancing.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (80%)
    • Al Jazeera is a state-funded broadcaster. Qatar has previously funded Hamas.
    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
      None Found At Time Of Publication