Cases of coronavirus infection are being seen increasing rapidly globally, especially due to the new variant of Corona JN.1, there are reports of the situation worsening in many countries. Another wave of infection is being feared in Singapore-America, while in India too there has been a big jump in Corona cases within 40-50 days.
Most of the studies regarding the new variants of Corona (Omicron and its sub-variants) have found that these variants spread the infection faster but due to this the risk of serious disease is less. But the information recently shared by the World Health Organization (WHO) is frightening.
The head of the UN health agency said the transmission of the new coronavirus variant has increased globally due to crowds of people gathering during the Christmas and New Year holidays last month. WHO Director-General said that there were about 10,000 deaths due to infection in December. Data from about 50 countries shows that the number of patients admitted to hospitals has also increased by 42 percent. In European countries, the situation is seen worsening due to Corona.
What does the Director General of WHO say?
It is noteworthy that health experts had earlier also alerted that crowds gathering during the Christmas-New Year holidays could lead to a corona explosion. "Although 10,000 deaths per month are well below the peak of the pandemic, these deaths were preventable, yet this increase is unacceptable," the director-general of the World Health Organization told reporters in Geneva. The mistake of taking Corona lightly is costing dearly.
He said that it is certain that cases of infection are increasing in other places also, where reporting is less at present. It is very important for all governments to seriously monitor Corona and ensure better availability of treatments and vaccines.
Corona situation in India
Cases of coronavirus infection are also increasing in India. If we look at the data of the last week, we find that on average 500-600, new cases are being reported here every day. According to the information shared by the Union Health Ministry, 514 new cases of infection were registered in the country in the last 24 hours. The number of active cases is now 3422. Earlier on Wednesday, 605 cases were reported. On average, 5-6 people are dying every day in India due to Corona. 98 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Maharashtra on Wednesday, and two people died.
As of January 11, 2024, a total of 827 cases of infection with the JN.1 variant have been reported from 12 states in India. The highest number of cases (250) have been reported in Maharashtra.
Increase in other respiratory diseases along with corona
Tedros said that JN.1 has currently become the most prevalent variant worldwide. This is a sub-variant of Omicron, so scientists are hopeful that existing vaccines can protect people.
Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's technical lead for COVID-19, said the coronavirus, along with flu, rhinovirus, and pneumonia, are causing a rise in respiratory illnesses around the world. The risk of respiratory illnesses is higher during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, he said, which can continue through January. However, in the southern hemisphere, where it is now summer, an increase in Covid-19 is also being seen.
It is important to protect against infection
WHO officials advise that it is very important for people to complete vaccination and wear masks to protect themselves from corona. It is also essential to ensure that there is good ventilation inside your home, as indoor pollution can also lead to the risk of infection.
Dr. Michael Ryan, head of the emergency department at WHO, says vaccination cannot prevent you from getting infected, but it has benefits in preventing hospitalization or death. To reduce the spread of Corona, it is very important to avoid crowds. An increase in infection can cause big problems in the future.
(PC: PTI)
