China Pilots Monitoring System for Pneumonia of Unknown Origin
Background
China’s disease control authority has announced the pilot of a monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin, as cases of some respiratory diseases are expected to rise through the winter.
Establishment of Monitoring System
The national disease control and prevention administration will establish a procedure for laboratories to report and for disease control and prevention agencies to verify and handle cases. This dedicated system is aimed at helping authorities set up protocols to handle unknown pathogens, in contrast to the lower level of preparedness five years ago when the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 first emerged.
Data and Trends
Data for acute respiratory diseases showed an upward trend in overall infections in the week of Dec 16 to 22. According to an official statement released on Thursday, China is likely to be affected by various respiratory infectious diseases in winter and spring. Kan Biao, another official, said without elaborating that the overall number of cases this year would be smaller than last year.
Recent Cases and Detection
Recent cases detected include pathogens such as the rhinovirus and human metapneumovirus, with cases of the human metapneumovirus among people under the age of 14 showing an upward trend, especially in northern provinces.
Public Awareness and Prevention
In a recent interview with the state-backed National Business Daily, a respiratory expert at a Shanghai hospital warned the public against blindly using antiviral drugs to fight human metapneumovirus, for which there is no vaccine but whose symptoms resemble those of a cold.
Conclusion
China’s pilot of a monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin demonstrates its commitment to strengthening disease control and prevention measures. The establishment of a dedicated procedure for laboratories to report and disease control and prevention agencies to verify and handle cases will help authorities respond more effectively to unknown pathogens.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the monitoring system?
The system is aimed at helping authorities set up protocols to handle unknown pathogens and improve disease control and prevention measures. - What types of respiratory diseases are expected to rise through the winter?
Cases of some respiratory diseases, including pneumonia of unknown origin, are expected to rise through the winter and spring. - What are some of the pathogens detected in recent cases?
Recent cases have included pathogens such as the rhinovirus and human metapneumovirus. - Should the public be concerned about the rise in cases?
The public should be aware of the rising cases and take precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. However, they should not blindly use antiviral drugs without consulting a doctor, as this can lead to unnecessary treatment and potential harm.