WHO: No unusual outbreak of acute respiratory infections in China

The World Health Organization (WHO) said it has not observed any unusual outbreak patterns in China as the reported number of acute respiratory infections there is still within the expected range for the winter season.

In a disease outbreak news item released on January 7, the WHO said trends in acute respiratory infections usually increase during this time of year in many countries in the Northern Hemisphere, including China.

Such increases are typically caused by seasonal epidemics of respiratory pathogens like seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other common respiratory viruses, including human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Citing December 29 data from China's Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the WHO said that there has been an upward trend of common acute respiratory infections, including those due to seasonal influenza viruses, RSV, and hMPV in the country.

Despite this, the WHO stressed that the rise was not unusual, rather expected considering the Northern Hemisphere winter.

"The observed increase in respiratory pathogen detections is within the range expected for this time of year during the Northern hemisphere winter," the WHO said.

"WHO is in contact with Chinese health officials and has not received any reports of unusual outbreak patterns. Chinese authorities report that the health care system is not overwhelmed and there have been no emergency declarations or responses triggered," it added.

The international agency thus advised people in winter areas to take normal precautions to prevent the spread and reduce risks posed by respiratory pathogens, especially to vulnerable groups.

It recommended those with mild symptoms to stay home to rest and avoid infecting other people, and those at high risk or with complicated or severe symptoms to seek medical care as soon as possible.

"Individuals should also consider wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or bent elbow, practice regular handwashing, and get recommended vaccines as per physician and local public health authorities' advice," the WHO said.

On Friday, the Department of Health (DOH) dismissed reports of an alleged "international health concern" making the rounds on social media.

This came amid some claims on social media about a new epidemic allegedly overwhelming hospitals and crematories in China involving influenza A, HMPV, mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19.

The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has also dismissed the social media posts, calling them "fake news." — VDV, GMA Integrated News