As per the reports in the media, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has sounded the alarm on a worrisome increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths, primarily attributed to holiday gatherings and the rapid spread of the JN.1 variant, identified as the most prominent strain globally. In a virtual press briefing from Geneva, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the UN health agency, disclosed that December witnessed nearly 10,000 deaths, accompanied by a significant surge in hospital admissions and intensive care unit (ICU) cases, the media reports stated.
This alarming trend is reflected in data shared by almost 50 countries, particularly in Europe and America. Ghebreyesus expressed concern over the preventable deaths, emphasising that although the current figures are lower than the peak of the pandemic, they are still unacceptable. He voiced certainly that COVID-19 cases are rising in regions where data reporting is lacking.
Reportedly, the JN.1 variant, recognised as an Omicron variant, has become the most widespread strain. Despite this, existing vaccines are believed to offer some protection against it. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's technical lead for COVID-19, highlighted a global increase in respiratory diseases, including flu, rhinovirus, pneumonia, and the coronavirus. She noted the continuation of these trends into January and the winter months in the northern hemisphere, along with a rise in COVID-19 cases in the southern hemisphere during summer.
Van Kerkhove underscored the co-circulation of various pathogens this year, contributing to the spike in respiratory illnesses. WHO officials are urging the public to get vaccinated, wear masks, and ensure proper ventilation in indoor spaces to curb the virus's spread. Dr Michael Ryan, head of emergencies at WHO, emphasised the vaccines' efficacy, stating, “The vaccines may not stop you being infected, but the vaccines are certainly reducing significantly your chance of being hospitalised or dying.”
Despite the WHO's declaration that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a global health emergency, Ghebreyesus cautioned that the virus persists, evolves, and causes fatalities. The WHO's message remains clear: vigilance and preventive measures are crucial in combating the ongoing pandemic.