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    Global COVID-19 cases surge by 52%: WHO reports

    Global COVID-19 cases surge by 52%: WHO reports

    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.

    Despite the rise in cases, the number of new deaths decreased by 8% during the same period, with over 3,000 new deaths reported. As of December 17, 2023, the global tally stands at more than 772 mn confirmed cases and almost 7 mn deaths.

    Regional variations in COVID-19 incidence and mortality

    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.

    Photo: COVID-19 cases and global deaths by 28-day intervals, as of 17 December 2023 (A); 5 June to 17 December 2023 (B)
    Source: WHO

    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).

    Photo: COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths as of 17 December 2023
    Source: WHO

    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.
    Photo: Number of confirmed COVID-19 cases reported over the last 28 days per 100 000 population, as of 17 December 2023
    Source: WHO

    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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