Last week’s WHO COVID-19 epi update noted that the ‘rise in prevalence of BA.4 and BA.5 has coincided with a rise in cases in several WHO regions’, with UK public health advising that the two Omicron sub-variants are now dominant in the country, making up 61 percent of the total between them, and that the latter will likely become most prevalent due its growth advantage which has been gauged at ‘35.1% faster than Omicron BA.2’. According to the WHO update, ‘In some countries, the rise in cases has also led to a surge in hospitalizations and ICU admissions; however, the current evidence available does not indicate a change in severity associated with any of the three Omicron descendent lineages BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5’. On a regional level, increases in new cases were observed in SE Asia (highest case numbers were India, Thailand, Indonesia), Eastern Mediterranean (UAE, Morocco, Bahrain), and Europe (Germany, France, Italy), although the disclaimer for caution interpreting the data due to variable testing rates and surveillance affecting actual numbers applies. Read more
In related news:
- A June 25 ABC News article recounted, ‘COVID cognitive decline more widespread than thought, say researchers at Australia's first long-COVID clinic’ and another reported on the risks of COVID-19 re-infection. Read more
- A study conducted by Imperial College London estimates that nearly 20 million lives were saved by COVID-19 vaccines in one year. Read more
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.