Travel Ban Advocacy: US Senators Take Action Against China’s Mystery Illness

New Delhi: Amid a surge in mysterious respiratory illnesses in China, five US senators, led by Marco Rubio, have called on President Joe Biden to restrict travel between the US and China. Concerns escalated after reports of undiagnosed pneumonia clusters in Chinese children surfaced, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to request more information.

Rubio emphasized, “We must halt travel until we grasp the risks of this new illness.” While the WHO found no unusual pathogens, Taiwan cautioned vulnerable groups against visiting China. Neither the White House nor the Chinese Embassy has commented yet.

Maria Van Kerkhove from the WHO hinted at a rise in childhood infections due to reduced COVID-19 restrictions. Trump previously barred certain travelers from China in 2020 but didn’t limit flights. US-China flights have increased lately, with restrictions for vaccinated visitors lifted in 2021 and negative test requirements removed in 2022.

In China, concerns mount as hospitals see an uptick in respiratory cases. Despite reports, experts advise caution without significant worry. This call for a travel ban reflects global anxiety over the unknown illness, urging precaution until more clarity emerges.