WHO Warns of Global COVID-19 Surge
The World Health Organisation (WHO COVID-19 Dashboard) has issued a critical warning that COVID-19 infections are surging globally, with no immediate signs of decline. In a recent press conference, Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO Director of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, highlighted the alarming rise in positive COVID-19 tests reported by their sentinel-based surveillance system across 84 countries.
Rising Test Positivity Rates
According to the WHO, the percentage of positive tests for SARS-CoV-2 has been increasing steadily over the past several weeks. Globally, the COVID-19 test positivity rate stands at over 10%, but this figure varies significantly by region. Notably, Europe is experiencing a more severe impact, with a test positivity rate exceeding 20%, indicating a substantial rise in infections, as detailed by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
However, these figures may underrepresent the true scale of the outbreak. Wastewater surveillance suggests that the actual circulation of SARS-CoV-2 could be up to 20 times higher than reported, raising concerns about undetected COVID-19 cases and the potential spread of the virus.
Risk of New Variants
The WHO also raised concerns about the potential emergence of more severe COVID-19 variants as the virus continues to spread and evolve. Dr. Van Kerkhove emphasized the risk that a new, more severe variant could pose to at-risk populations, potentially leading to severe disease and increased mortality.
“With such a large circulation, if we were to have a variant that would be more severe, then the susceptibility of the at-risk populations to develop severe disease is huge,” Van Kerkhove warned, urging for increased COVID-19 surveillance and variant tracking.
Hospital Admissions and Vaccination Campaigns
Despite the surge in infections, hospital admissions remain significantly lower than during the peak of the pandemic. However, the WHO urges governments to strengthen vaccination campaigns, particularly targeting high-risk groups for annual booster doses. For the latest guidelines and recommendations, refer to the CDC COVID-19 Guidance.
“It is important for individuals to take measures to reduce the risk of infection and severe disease, including ensuring that you have had a COVID-19 vaccination dose in the last 12 months, especially if you are in an at-risk group,” stressed Van Kerkhove, encouraging the public to stay vigilant.
Decline in Vaccine Production and Future Prospects
The WHO also highlighted a decline in COVID-19 vaccine production over the past 18 months, with fewer producers remaining in the market. Despite this, there is optimism surrounding the development of nasal vaccines, which could potentially reduce transmission, lower the risk of new variants, and mitigate severe disease.
As the world faces this new wave of infections, continued vigilance and proactive measures are essential to combat the ongoing threat of COVID-19. COVID-19 prevention strategies, including vaccinations, mask-wearing, and hygiene measures, remain crucial in reducing the spread and impact of the virus.
