In a press briefing on January 10, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, addressed the concerning rise in COVID-19 cases worldwide. During the past month, nearly 10,000 deaths were reported globally, with a simultaneous 42% surge in hospital admissions recorded in almost 50 countries, AP News reports.
The affected regions, primarily in Europe and the Americas, shared this worrisome trend. While acknowledging that the current death toll is lower than the peak of the pandemic, Tedros emphasized that such preventable deaths remain unacceptable.
Call for continued surveillance and access to treatments
Expressing certainty that unreported cases contribute to the rising numbers, Tedros called on governments to maintain vigilance, intensify surveillance efforts, and ensure ongoing access to COVID-19 treatments and vaccines. He highlighted the emergence of the JN.1 variant as the predominant strain globally, reassuring the public that existing vaccines, designed to combat the Omicron variant, still offer some level of protection.
Global increase in respiratory diseases
Maria Van Kerkhove, the Technical Lead at WHO for COVID-19, noted a significant increase in respiratory diseases worldwide. This rise is attributed not only to the coronavirus but also to flu, rhinovirus, and pneumonia. Van Kerkhove emphasized that these trends are expected to persist into January, particularly during the winter months in the northern hemisphere. Additionally, she highlighted an uptick in COVID-19 cases in the southern hemisphere, where it is currently summer.
Co-circulation of pathogens raises concerns
Van Kerkhove drew attention to the co-circulation of various pathogens, noting that this year, in particular, sees the simultaneous presence of different types of respiratory illnesses. While symptoms such as coughs, sniffling, fever, and fatigue are common in winter, the co-circulation of multiple pathogens presents unique challenges for public health responses.
WHO recommendations: vaccination, mask-wearing, and ventilation
WHO officials issued a set of recommendations to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. They underscored the importance of vaccination, urging individuals to get vaccinated when possible. Additionally, the WHO emphasized the ongoing significance of wearing masks and ensuring adequate ventilation in indoor spaces. Dr. Michael Ryan, Head of Emergencies at WHO, emphasized that while vaccines may not prevent infection entirely, they significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and death.
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