The head of the United Nations health agency said that gatherings during the holiday season and the spread of the most prevalent variant globally led to an increase in Covid-19 transmission last month.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that nearly 10,000 deaths were reported in December, while hospitalizations during the month jumped 42% in nearly 50 countries – mostly in Europe and the Americas – that shared this information on trends.
"Although 10,000 deaths per month is well below the peak of the pandemic, this level of avoidable deaths is not acceptable," the World Health Organization 's director-general told reporters from its headquarters in Geneva.
He said he was "certain" that cases were rising in other places that had not been reported, calling on governments to maintain surveillance and ensure continued access to treatments and vaccines .
Dr. Tedros stated that the JN.1 variant is now the most widespread in the world. It is an Omicron variant, so current vaccines should still offer some protection.
Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead at the WHO for Covid-19 , mentioned an increase in respiratory illnesses worldwide due to the coronavirus , but also influenza, rhinovirus and pneumonia.
"We expect these trends to continue through January and across the winter months in the northern hemisphere ," she said, while noting an increase in Covid-19 in the southern hemisphere – where it is currently summer.
While coughing fits, sniffles, fever, and fatigue in winter are not new, Van Kerkhove stated that this year in particular, "We are seeing a co-circulation of many different types of pathogens . "
WHO officials recommend that people get vaccinated, if possible, wear masks, and ensure that indoor spaces are well ventilated.
"Vaccines may not prevent you from being infected, but they certainly greatly reduce your risk of being hospitalized or dying ," said Dr. Michael Ryan, head of emergencies at the WHO.
