According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of Covid-19 hospitalizations in December 2023 increased by 42% in nearly 50 countries, mostly in Europe and the Americas. The rate of hospitalizations in intensive care units also increased by 62% compared to November 2023.
At its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters: “Although 10,000 deaths per month is much lower than at the peak of the pandemic, this level of preventable deaths is unacceptable.”
Mr Tedros said cases were likely to be rising elsewhere that were not being reported, and he urged governments to continue monitoring and provide ongoing access to treatments and vaccines.
The JN.1 variant is currently the most prominent variant in the world, said Mr. Tedros. It is a sub-variant of the Omicron strain, so current vaccines are still somewhat effective.
WHO's Covid-19 technical team leader, Maria Van Kerkhove, said that in addition to Covid-19, cases of general respiratory infections such as influenza, RSV and pneumonia are also increasing.
WHO experts predict that the rising infection trends will continue from January through the end of the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, while noting that Covid-19 cases will also increase in the Southern Hemisphere, where it is currently summer.
Experts say the surge in infections could be due to weather, travel and contact during the holiday season, while herd immunity has declined as most people no longer wear masks and too few people get vaccinated this season.
WHO recommends that people get vaccinated, wear masks, and ensure indoor spaces are well ventilated.
"Vaccines may not completely prevent infection, but they can significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization or death," said Michael Ryan, head of the WHO's emergencies department.
Minh Hoa (reported by Dan Tri, Tuoi Tre)
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