NEW DELHI: On Sunday, the Chinese central government restated its close observation of the recent spike in respiratory illnesses among children in certain regions of the country. The Union Health Ministry stated that there was no reason for concern in its most recent update. There has been news of a significant increase in childhood respiratory illnesses in northern China in the past few weeks. In light of this, the Union Health Ministry has made the proactive decision to thoroughly examine the respiratory illness preparedness measures.As a precaution, states and UTs are advised to review hospital and public health preparedness measures right away. These include assessing the availability of personnel, hospital beds, influenza medications and vaccines, medical oxygen, antibiotics, personal protective equipment, testing kits, and other necessary medical supplies. They have also been requested to make sure that trends in severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and influenza-like illnesses are properly tracked. According to data recently released by the WHO, respiratory illnesses are becoming more common in China’s northern regions. According to the World Health Organisation, this increase was caused by the COVID-19 restrictions that were released at the beginning of the winter season, as well as the seasonal trend of respiratory diseases like Mycoplasma pneumonia. Despite the fact that WHO has asked Chinese authorities for more information, it is determined that there is currently no reason for concern.
