U.N. Health Chief warns of alarming COVID-19 surge: nearly 10,000 deaths in December

GENEVA : The pinnacle of the U.N. well being company, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, declared that vacation gatherings coupled with the relentless unfold of the JN.1 variant fueled a surge in COVID-19 transmissions final month. The toll was alarming, with almost 10,000 deaths reported in December alone. Hospital admissions spiked by 42% in virtually 50 nations, primarily throughout Europe and the Americas.

Tedros, talking from the World Well being Group headquarters in Geneva, underscored the gravity of the state of affairs, deeming the preventable deaths unacceptable regardless of being decrease than the pandemic’s peak. Urging international vigilance, he confirmed an increase in circumstances in unreported areas and implored governments to maintain surveillance whereas making certain continued entry to remedies and vaccines.

Tedros revealed that the JN.1 variant, recognized as an omicron pressure, had turn into the predominant variant worldwide. Nevertheless, he reassured that present vaccines ought to nonetheless supply some safety in opposition to it. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s technical lead for COVID-19, highlighted a concurrent surge in respiratory ailments globally, together with COVID-19, flu, rhinovirus, and pneumonia. She anticipated these traits to persist into January, significantly within the northern hemisphere, whereas noting an increase in COVID-19 circumstances within the southern hemisphere throughout summer time.

Van Kerkhove emphasised the unprecedented co-circulation of assorted pathogens, making this winter distinctive. Amidst this, WHO officers strongly beneficial vaccination, mask-wearing, and making certain correct air flow in indoor areas. Dr. Michael Ryan, head of emergencies at WHO, underscored the importance of vaccines, acknowledging that whereas they may not stop an infection solely, they considerably scale back the chance of hospitalization and dying.

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