Almost 10,000 people have died from Covid-19 in just one month, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that holiday gatherings contributed to the increased transmission of the virus.
During a news conference in Geneva, Tedros revealed that although the Covid-19 pandemic is no longer regarded as a global health emergency, the virus continues to circulate, mutate, and claim lives. The month of December saw a 42% rise in hospitalizations and a 62% increase in intensive care unit (ICU) admissions compared to the previous month. These trends are derived from data provided by less than 50 countries, mostly in Europe and the Americas, leading Tedros to highlight that the full extent of the crisis may not be completely known.
Tedros cautioned that many countries are likely experiencing similar increases in cases, but are not reporting them to the WHO. In an email, the organization stated that Russia appears to be reporting the highest number of cases, emphasizing the need for accurate data collection from all countries.
The newly dominant virus variant, JN.1, has become the most commonly reported worldwide. It appears to have a significantly greater ability to infect individuals who have been vaccinated or previously infected, as reported by The Washington Post.
Tedros stressed the urgency of addressing preventable deaths, stating that although the current death toll may be lower than during the peak of the pandemic, it is still unacceptable. He urged governments to maintain close surveillance, continue providing vaccines and treatments, and implement necessary precautions to curb the virus’s spread.
Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s technical leader for Covid-19, added that other respiratory infections, such as influenza, rhinovirus, and bacterial pneumonia, are also escalating worldwide. These pathogens take advantage of the increased mingling between people as the world reopens amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The WHO emphasized the importance of taking precautions, including testing, vaccinating, wearing masks, and ensuring proper ventilation in indoor spaces. Michael Ryan, head of emergencies at the WHO, highlighted the role of vaccines in reducing the risk of severe illness and death, even if they may not prevent infection entirely.
As the year progresses, it is crucial to remain vigilant, continue following safety protocols, and prioritize public health. The fight against Covid-19 is far from over, and concerted efforts are necessary to protect lives and prevent further transmission.
Please note that the information provided in this article is based on the details provided and may be subject to change as the situation evolves.
