The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning regarding the continued circulation of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections globally.
While COVID-19 is no longer classified as a global health emergency, WHO Director General Tedros Ghebreyesus highlighted that the virus is still actively circulating.
Ghebreyesus pointed out that December witnessed an increase in transmission, attributed to holiday gatherings and the prevalence of the JN.1 variant, now the most commonly reported variant worldwide.
He shared alarming statistics, noting almost 10,000 reported deaths from COVID-19 in December, along with a 42% surge in hospitalizations and a 62% increase in ICU admissions compared to November.
However, he emphasized that these trends were based on data from fewer than 50 countries, primarily in Europe and the Americas, suggesting that the actual numbers may be higher.
The Director General expressed concern about underreported cases in other countries and stressed that although 10,000 deaths a month is lower than the pandemic’s peak, it remains an unacceptable level of preventable deaths.
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, the COVID-19 Technical Lead at WHO, highlighted the co-circulation of various pathogens beyond COVID-19.
She mentioned an increase in hospitalizations due to not only COVID-19 but also bacteria-like infections causing pneumonias, particularly among children.
Respiratory infections, including influenza, adenovirus, rhinovirus, and Mycoplasma pneumonia, have contributed to this rise in hospitalizations.
WHO continues to urge individuals to undergo testing and vaccination, wear masks when necessary, and ensure proper ventilation in crowded indoor spaces.
As the world grapples with the ongoing threat of COVID-19 and related respiratory infections, adherence to preventive measures remains crucial.