HONG KONG - Hospitals in northern China are facing an overwhelming number of sick children as the country grapples with a surge in respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia. The World Health Organization (WHO) has requested additional data from Beijing to better understand the situation.

At the Beijing Children's Hospital, long queues were observed as people waited to register during a recent visit by NBC News on Thursday. The waiting rooms were crowded with parents and children, with some children receiving treatment through IV drips.

According to a review of China's data by the WHO, the increase in respiratory illness cases occurred earlier in the season but was not unexpected due to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, a trend seen in other countries as well.

The WHO stated that Chinese health authorities have not identified any new or unusual pathogens, and hospitals have not exceeded their capacity to handle patient loads. Based on the current information available, there is no indication that the outbreak in China poses a global threat, and the WHO does not recommend travel restrictions.

Since mid-October, northern China has reported a rise in respiratory diseases compared to the same period in previous years. This increase coincided with the end of China's National Day holiday week, which is known for its high travel volume.

This is China's first full flu season since easing COVID-19 restrictions at the end of last year. Similar surges in respiratory illnesses were experienced in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the United States after lifting their strict COVID-19 measures.

Virologist Jin Dong-yan from the University of Hong Kong believes that this surge in respiratory illnesses in China is likely a similar phenomenon and not indicative of any unknown disease or hidden issues. He emphasizes that there is no evidence to support such claims.

Despite the lack of evidence for a major issue, parents are understandably concerned. Emma Wang, whose 7-year-old daughter contracted mycoplasma pneumonia, expressed her worries about the potential spread of the virus. She hopes that the government will provide clear treatment plans, disease courses, and information on recovery timelines for affected children.

In response to the situation, the WHO has requested detailed information from China regarding the increase in respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia in children. Transparency in reporting has been a concern, as both China and the WHO have faced criticism regarding their handling of initial COVID-19 cases.

Chinese health officials attribute the increase in respiratory illnesses to the seasonal rise in overlapping diseases such as flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and mycoplasma pneumonia. Mycoplasma pneumonia, also known as "walking pneumonia," is a common bacterial infection that primarily affects young children but rarely requires hospitalization.

However, limited data has been reported by China, making it difficult to fully understand the extent of the outbreak. It is unclear whether the high numbers of respiratory illnesses are prevalent across all regions or isolated to specific areas.

The combination of public panic and the nature of China's healthcare system, where individuals often go directly to hospitals for mild illnesses, has put additional strain on the healthcare system. Experts urge individuals with mild cases of mycoplasma infection to stay at home and avoid unnecessary hospital visits.

To reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses, the WHO advises people in China to follow recommended vaccinations, ensure good ventilation, use masks when necessary, and practice regular hand hygiene.

Virologist Jin Dong-yan reassures the public that mycoplasma pneumonia is a known condition, and established protocols can effectively control it with careful management. He emphasizes that it is not a major concern.

In summary, the surge in respiratory illnesses in northern China has overwhelmed hospitals, particularly children's hospitals, prompting the WHO to request further information. While concerns are understandable, experts believe that this surge is likely a result of the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and not indicative of any new or hidden disease.