Since mid-July, Europe has been experiencing a resurgence in cases of COVID-19 due to the emergence of new variants, Report informs, citing Euronews.
Covid-19 is back in the news, a sign that the epidemic has not yet had its last word. At the end of August, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recorded an increase in the transmission of Covid-19 within the European Union.
In 16 of the 21 countries analysed, an increase in case rates was observed, particularly among people aged 80 and over.
"There are signs of increased transmission in certain parts of Europe. By 20 August 2023, the number of cases of COVID-19 had increased by 11% compared with the previous 28 days", Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, told Euronews.
According to Quique Bassat, an epidemiologist and researcher at ISGlobal and ICREA, "over the last few months, during the summer, we have seen an increase in the transmission of Covid-19 in several European countries.
"In Spain, for example, we have seen a significant increase in transmission and a rise in hospitalisations linked to Covid-19. This is attributed to the emergence of new variants, which are more contagious than previous ones".
The epidemiologist also added that "every week, a new sub-variant seems to emerge, appearing more dangerous or even more contagious than the previous ones."
To mitigate this risk, experts strongly advocate vaccination against Covid-19 and influenza, while stressing the importance of maintaining precautionary measures.
"We need to be prepared for a possible increase over the autumn and winter, as diseases such as Covid-19, influenza and other respiratory infections are likely to thrive," the World Health Organization told Euronews.
