Rise in respiratory illnesses


Better safer than sorry: Young patients on drips at a children’s hospital in Beijing. — AFP

BEIJING: Chinese health authorities have not detected any unusual or novel pathogens and provided the requested data on an increase in respiratory illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said.

The WHO had asked China for more information on Wednesday after groups including the Programme for Monitoring Emerging Diseases (ProMED) reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in north China.

Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Aseanplus News

Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Sunday (Jan 11, 2026)
Forest fire breaks out north of Tokyo, SDF deployment requested
China debuts unmanned mid-altitude, low-cost cargo aircraft: CCTV
Investing in educational infrastructure even in mountainous areas, promotes equal access to education, says Vietnam PM
No matter the promise by the junta, sequestered Suu Kyi overshadows military-run Myanmar election
'This is an impossible task' - Hopes wane for survivors in Philippine garbage site collapse
160-year-old Maqam Habib Noh tomb in Singapore fully reopens to visitors after major renovation
Hollywood stars battle for trophies at Sunday's Golden Globes
South Korea’s ramyeon exports hit new record of US$1.5bil driven by US, China and South-East Asia markets
Greenland’s harsh environment and lack of infrastructure have prevented rare earth mining

Others Also Read