The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a 52% increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases worldwide in the 28 days from November 20 to December 17, 2023, compared to the previous 28-day period. This surge has resulted in over 850,000 new cases.

The impact of the pandemic continues to vary across different regions. In Southeast Asia, the number of new coronavirus cases surged by 388% in four weeks, and mortality more than tripled. Africa saw a 77% increase in cases but reported 50% fewer deaths.

Europe experienced a 54% increase in incidence and a 14% rise in mortality. Conversely, the American region saw a decrease in both incidence (23%) and mortality rate (48%). The Eastern Mediterranean region also reported positive trends, with 51% fewer cases and a 65% decrease in the number of deaths.

Countries with the highest number of new cases

The countries with the highest number of new coronavirus cases, apart from the Russian Federation, include Singapore (120,898), Italy (114,795), Poland (39,828), and Australia (39,505). Italy reported the highest number of deaths (510), followed by Sweden (396), Russia (376), Australia (211), and Poland (141).

New hospitalizations

Over the past 28 days, 118,958 new hospitalizations were reported globally. The Region of the Americas had the highest proportion of countries reporting data on new hospitalizations. Among the consistently reporting countries, there was an overall increase of 23% in new hospitalizations.

Rise in Respiratory Diseases: COVID-19, Influenza, RSV, and Childhood Pneumonia

COVID-19 is not the sole respiratory disease currently in circulation. Other illnesses, including Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and common childhood pneumonia, are also witnessing an upsurge.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued guidelines to prevent infections and severe diseases. The organization recommends the use of all available preventive measures. These include wearing masks in crowded, enclosed, or poorly ventilated areas, maintaining a safe distance from others, adhering to respiratory etiquette such as covering coughs and sneezes, regular hand hygiene, and seeking testing if any symptoms or signs of influenza are present.

 

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