The World Health Organization is investigating mysterious cases of pneumonia among Chinese children. Here's what you need to know

A medical worker inoculates children with the BCG vaccine in Chongqing, China, in April 2023. While the WHO seeks additional information on clusters of respiratory illness and pneumonia among children in northern China, it recommends that Chinese citizens obtain recommended vaccinations, maintain distance from those who are ill, stay home when sick, wear masks “as appropriate,” ensure good ventilation, wash their hands, and obtain medical care as needed. (Credit: CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

The World Health Organization is requesting detailed information from China on an increase in respiratory illnesses and pneumonia among the country’s children, using language similar to a Jan. 5, 2020, pre-pandemic missive regarding COVID-19. 

Officials from China’s National Health Commission reported an increase in respiratory illness at a Nov. 13 press conference, the WHO said in a Wednesday news release. On Tuesday more reports of pneumonia of an unknown cause in children in northern China were received.