Reviewed by Roberta L. DeBiasi, MD, MS and Larry Kociolek, MD, MSCI, FSHEA, FPIDS
Media reports and inquiries from families have brought to attention a recent surge in severe respiratory illness among children in China. The World Health Organization (WHO) is investigating these illnesses, and to date there has been no evidence of a new or unusual pathogen to explain the increased number of infections. As detailed in the WHO report, these illnesses have been found to be caused by a variety of common respiratory pathogens, including RSV, adenovirus, influenza, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The most likely explanation for these findings is increased exposure due to recently lifted control measures in a pediatric population that has not had recent exposure to these pathogens, similar to what occurred in the United States in the fall and winter of 2022.
In the U.S., there have also been media reports of increases in respiratory illness in children as would be expected during a respiratory viral season. Similarly, no new or unusual pathogens have been identified. Respiratory illness activity is expected to continue to increase as we head into the winter. The Pediatric Pandemic Network will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as they are available.
Health care providers should continue to counsel patients on healthy practices, such as hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, and promote use of vaccines and treatments for influenza and COVID-19 and immunizations for RSV in their pediatric patients.
Below are some helpful resources for health care providers to prepare for the winter season, monitor respiratory virus activity in their areas, and to help promote wellness.
PPN resources
- Empowering Parents and Providers: a Comprehensive Resource Guide for RSV Management with Nirsevimab
- The Flu: What Parents Need to Know
- Preparing for Winter Viral Surges: Essential Pediatric Resources and Strategies
CDC Respiratory Virus Surveillance