The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning on Tuesday about the global increase in COVID-19 cases, stating that it is "unlikely" that infections will decrease in the short term.
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's Director of Pandemic Prevention, said in a press conference that “COVID-19 is still very much present," and noted that the decline in vaccination coverage is heightening the risk of more virulent strains emerging, which could cause severe illness.
The expert presented data from the health agency's surveillance system, explaining that tests conducted in 84 countries have returned positive results in more than 10% of cases. "In Europe, that percentage is over 20%," she emphasized, detailing that new waves of infection have been recorded in the Americas, Europe, and the Western Pacific.
She pointed out that even during the current Olympic Games being held in Paris, at least forty athletes tested positive for COVID-19.
Van Kerkhove also explained that wastewater surveillance suggests that the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 is two to twenty times higher than documented figures.
Risk of More Severe Variants Emerging
The WHO expert expressed concern over the lack of adherence to vaccination guidelines, indicating that everyone should ensure they receive a booster dose annually, especially those in high-risk groups.
Kerkhove acknowledged that, although vaccine availability has significantly decreased—primarily because there have been fewer suppliers over the past 18 months—there remains a need to distribute and administer vaccines to reduce infection risk.
The primary concern of Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove and the institution she represents is that low coverage, combined with increased virus circulation, could leave the global population vulnerable if a particularly severe subvariant emerges.
"As individuals, it's crucial to take steps to reduce the risk of infection and severe illness, including ensuring you've received a COVID-19 vaccine dose within the last twelve months, especially if you are in a high-risk group,” Van Kerkhove concluded.
The WHO continues to closely monitor the virus and its variants.
Understanding the Surge in COVID-19 Cases and Potential Variants
With the recent warning from the WHO about rising COVID-19 cases and the potential for more dangerous variants, many people have questions about what this means for public health and individual safety. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why is COVID-19 still spreading widely?
The decline in vaccination coverage and the emergence of new, more transmissible variants contribute to the continued spread of COVID-19.
What can individuals do to protect themselves?
Individuals should ensure they receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine annually, especially if they belong to high-risk groups, and follow public health guidelines to reduce the risk of infection.
How significant is the role of wastewater surveillance?
Wastewater surveillance provides important data on the actual circulation of the virus, often indicating higher levels of transmission than what is documented through testing alone.