Around 10,000 coronavirus deaths reported to WHO in December | EUROtoday

Get real time updates directly on you device, subscribe now.

Almost 10,000 coronavirus deaths have been reported in December, and admissions to hospitals and intensive care items surged, World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus mentioned — with information indicating that vacation gatherings fueled elevated transmission of the virus.

“Although covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency, the virus is still circulating, changing and killing,” Tedros mentioned at a information convention in Geneva on Wednesday.

There was a 42 % improve in hospitalizations and a 62 % improve in ICU admissions from the earlier month. Trends are primarily based on information reported to the WHO from fewer than 50 nations, principally in Europe and the Americas, mentioned Tedros, who famous that this isn’t the total image.

“It is certain that there are also increases in other countries that are not being reported,” he mentioned. The WHO mentioned in an e mail Thursday that Russia seems to be reporting probably the most circumstances to the well being physique however harassed that “many countries have reduced or stopped reporting, which is part of the problem.”

The JN.1 variant is now probably the most generally reported globally, Tedros mentioned. The new dominant variant seems to be way more adept than earlier ones at infecting those that are vaccinated or who’ve been beforehand contaminated, The Washington Post reported.

“Although 10,000 deaths a month is far less than the peak of the pandemic, this level of preventable death is not acceptable,” Tedros mentioned as he urged governments to hold on shut surveillance and to supply individuals with vaccines and coverings.

New coronavirus variant JN.1 is spreading quick. Here’s what to know.

Maria Van Kerkhove, technical chief on the WHO for covid-19, mentioned on the identical convention that different respiratory infections around the globe are additionally on the rise — developments she expects to proceed into January.

“This year, particularly in the northern hemisphere, we are seeing close circulation of many different types of pathogens,” she mentioned, citing influenza, rhinovirus and micro organism like micro plasma pneumonia. Van Kerkhove mentioned that with the world opening again up throughout the coronavirus pandemic, “these viruses, these bacteria, which pass effectively between people through the air, take advantage.”

The WHO is urging individuals to take precautions, together with testing, vaccinating, carrying masks and making certain indoor areas are effectively ventilated. “The vaccines may not stop you being infected, but the vaccines are certainly reducing significantly your chance of being hospitalized or dying,” Michael Ryan, head of emergencies on the WHO, mentioned Wednesday.

Hospitalizations and coronavirus wastewater ranges are rising throughout the United States, which is within the throes of one other covid uptick as individuals resume work and college after the vacations. The CDC recommends getting an up to date coronavirus vaccine to extend safety towards JN.1.

This week in Spain, masks grew to become necessary in hospitals and well being services because the nation experiences a surge in circumstances of flu, coronavirus and different respiratory diseases.

Fenit Nirappil, Lena H. Sun and Amar Nadhir contributed to this report.


https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2024/01/11/covid-deaths-holidays-world-health-organization/