The World Health Organization (WHO) has sought additional information from China regarding a recent outbreak of mysterious pneumonia, primarily affecting children in northern China.

This inquiry follows reports of a notable increase in respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia cases among children.

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The WHO’s interest was sparked by a statement from China’s National Health Commission acknowledging the uptick in respiratory diseases, attributing it to the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions and the spread of various pathogens.

The WHO has requested detailed data on these pneumonia clusters in children and is collaborating with Chinese clinicians and scientists through existing partnerships. This situation has drawn comparisons to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.