The WHO global update last week advised that new case numbers had been stable after several weeks of increases, In a separate EU update, a 4.4 percent decline in new cases was registered but deaths rose by twice that figure and were mostly in the 65 years and over age group. The Western Pacific logged the greatest increase in new cases on a regional level (up 37 percent), largely driven by 100 percent or more rises in Japan and South Korea. BA.5 subvariants made up just over 50 percent of samples tested. After more than two years of zero COVID-19 infections in the Federated States of Micronesia, the government announced the first positive cases in the community in Pohnpei and Kosrae on July 19. A week later, case numbers have soared to more than 2,000 and one death has been recorded. According to the July 26 update, ‘Both Yap and Chuuk remain COVID-19 free in their communities’. Read more
In related news:
- Science Daily published an article on July 25 providing details from a UK study on the broad range of symptoms being experienced by sufferers of long covid: ‘Hair and libido loss join fatigue and brain fog among wider list of Long COVID symptoms’.
- A Burnet Institute article explains ‘Why upgrading your face mask is a crucial defence against new COVID-19 variants’.
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.