WHO urges vigilance as COVID-19 cases show resurgence in Europe and the US

SWITZERLAND — Amid a gradual resurgence of COVID-19 cases, including hospitalizations, in select European nations, Dr. Hans Kluge, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) regional director for Europe, issues a stern warning to member countries.

Kluge stresses the criticality of maintaining COVID-19 infrastructure and genomic surveillance. While the current impact of the virus may be less severe compared to earlier waves, millions of vulnerable individuals remain unprotected, necessitating continued vigilance.

Dr. Kluge emphasizes that the threat of COVID-19 persists, particularly among the most vulnerable populations across the WHO Europe Region.

Surprisingly, only a mere 11% of individuals in Europe and Central Asia have received their second booster shot, adding a layer of urgency to the situation.

Kluge underscores the importance of established infrastructure, such as early warning systems, variant monitoring, and targeted booster vaccinations for high-risk groups.

Recognizing the multifaceted approach required to combat COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, Dr. Kluge announces a pioneering initiative.

The WHO Europe Region is spearheading an inaugural indoor air conference, in collaboration with the Geneva Health Forum, set to take place in Bern on September 20.

With an emphasis on better building ventilation, this conference aims to address a crucial yet often overlooked facet of virus prevention.

Global trends and varied impacts

The latest weekly COVID-19 report from the WHO presents a mixed picture of global trends. In the last 28 days leading up to August 6, 2023, new COVID-19 cases surged by 80%, while deaths witnessed a 57% decline compared to the preceding period.

Five of the WHO regions reported decreasing numbers of cases and deaths. However, the Western Pacific Region saw a concerning rise in cases alongside a decrease in deaths.

Challenges persist in the US

Shifting the focus to the United States, data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) unveils a concerning trend.

COVID-19 hospitalizations have been on an upward trajectory since July, indicating a 60% increase over the span of a month, with the first week of August recording more than 10,000 hospitalizations.

While these figures are reminiscent of April levels, they remain significantly lower than the pandemic’s peak.

As COVID-19 dynamics evolve, the CDC has adjusted its approach to reporting cases, acknowledging the changing testing landscape and shifting patterns.

Despite aggregate case counts no longer being reported, wastewater samples provide a valuable snapshot.

More than half of the CDC’s wastewater sampling sites detected heightened virus levels in the latter half of July, with a significant portion experiencing sustained increases.

Dr. Kluge’s cautionary call to action underscores the ongoing need for robust COVID-19 infrastructure and proactive measures.

As Europe and the United States grapple with resurgent cases, a combination of strategic vaccination efforts, vigilant surveillance, and innovative initiatives, such as the forthcoming indoor air conference, will be pivotal in curbing the virus’s impact and safeguarding public health.

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