COVID-19 is one hot topic that doesn’t seem to go out of trend. Every time we feel that the cases of coronavirus infections are dipping, and the name of this pesky virus is not being mentioned as much in the news anymore, another COVID variant pops up and snatches back the limelight.
However, this time, with the emergence of new strains Pirola and Eris, and brutal symptoms of long COVID, SARS-CoV-2 has once again proven that its deadly nature is not to be taken lightly. Informing about the same, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organisation (WHO), released an advisory on behalf of WHO on the social media platform X (Formerly Twitter).
WHO Warns Of Concerning COVID Trends
Informing the ever-maintained credibility of COVID-19 as a morbid threat to public health, Dr Ghebreyesus stated, “We continue to see concerning trends for COVID-19 ahead of the winter season.” The advisory relayed that deaths have been on the rise in the Middle East and Asia. Meanwhile, the burden of ICU hospitalisations is being borne the most in Europe. As winters are already quite harsh for at-risk populations, and the cold further exacerbates recovery, health authorities are concerned that these cases will be threefold by year-end.
Also Read: Pirola Or BA.2.86 Spreading Rapidly: Can This Highly Mutated COVID Variant Cause The Fourth Wave?
What’s majorly concerning is that this increasing rise in COVID-19 cases is being reported despite the fact that most countries have stopped reporting their daily COVID data. “Only 43 countries, less than a quarter of WHO’s member states, are reporting deaths to WHO, and only 20 provide information on hospitalisation,” expressed Dr Ghebreyesus.
We continue to see concerning trends for #COVID19. What worries us the most is the low level of at-risk people who have received a vaccine dose recently. Please don't wait to get an additional dose if it is recommended for you. pic.twitter.com/pJ9SkKHDv6
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) September 6, 2023
Contradictory to recent reports that believe that the highly mutated Pirola, which might break through the immunity provided by prior COVID infection and COVID-19 vaccines might be driving this surge in cases worldwide. Interestingly, Dr Ghebreyesus shared that no particular COVID strain across the world is dominant currently. However, researchers can confirm that EG.5 is on the rise currently, whereas XBB variants that drove the third wave of COVID-19, are declining now.
Dr Ghebreyesus also informed that only a few cases of the BA.2.86 variant or Pirola has been detected in 11 countries till now. “WHO is monitoring this variant closely to assess its transmissibility and potential impact,” he added.
The Director-General expressed WHO’s biggest concern, which is the low level of at-risk people who have received a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. “Our message is not to wait to get an additional dose if it is recommended to you,” he concluded.
Also Read: Risk Of Post-COVID Complications And Death Remains High Even After Two Years Of Getting COVID: Study
The best way to keep yourself safe is to follow these WHO guidelines: ‘Keep a physical distance of at least 1 metre from others, even if they don’t appear to be sick. Avoid crowds and close contact. Wear a properly fitted mask when physical distancing is not possible and in poorly ventilated settings. Clean your hands frequently with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. Cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of used tissues immediately and clean hands regularly. If you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, self-isolate until you recover.’
You should also regularly keep yourself updated about the latest COVID-19 information by checking WHO notices, in addition to the news provided by the national and local public health authorities.
