In a recent Congressional hearing, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Mandy Cohen reassured the public that there is no reason to be alarmed over the spike in respiratory illness cases in China. Cohen’s comments came during a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing, where she provided insights into the situation.
Chinese authorities from the National Health Commission reported an increase in respiratory diseases, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to request additional data from China. The spike in illnesses, particularly among children, has been linked to known pathogens by Chinese health officials, according to the WHO.
Director Cohen stated that the CDC believes there is no new or novel pathogen causing the spike. Instead, the illnesses are related to existing pathogens such as COVID-19, flu, RSV, and mycoplasma, a bacterium that can infect the lungs. Cohen also mentioned that China’s explanation for the spike was corroborated by other sources, including European Union partners.
While Cohen’s remarks aimed to provide reassurance, Republican members of the committee expressed concerns over China’s handling of the outbreak. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers from Washington state noted the similarities between this spike and the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the lack of reliable information coming out of China.
Rep. Morgan Griffith from Virginia urged Cohen to put pressure on China to provide accurate information and avoid misleading the world, referring to China’s handling of COVID-19. This sentiment aligns with the Energy Department’s recent stance, joining the FBI’s belief that the coronavirus likely originated from a mishap at a Chinese laboratory.
The discussion during the hearing highlighted the ongoing tension between Republicans and China, with concerns about transparency and trustworthiness. As the investigation into the respiratory illness spike continues, further developments are expected.
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