China's Respiratory Illness Outbreak: What You Need to Know

Hospitals in China are overwhelmed with cases of respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia-like symptoms in children, prompting increased scrutiny from the World Health Organisation (WHO). The surge in cases has led to overcrowding in hospitals, with some reporting admission rates far exceeding their capacity. Chinese health authorities have attributed the rise in infections to a combination of known viruses and the lifting of Covid restrictions. The WHO has requested more detailed data on the respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia in children. While the cause of the outbreak is still unclear, experts are urging caution and the need for further diagnostic information.