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January 15, 2024
This executive summary is based on the article “COVID levels are up to 19 times higher than reported, WHO says as it warns of the potential dangers of repeat reinfection: ‘We don’t know everything about this virus’”, published by Fortune Well and written by Erin Prater, on January 12, 2024.
What is the message?
The World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that COVID-19 cases are significantly underreported, being two to nineteen times higher than official figures, based on wastewater data.
The organization also emphasizes the potential dangers of repeat COVID infections and the lingering uncertainties surrounding the virus’s long-term effects.
The pandemic’s impact is underscored by rising hospitalizations and deaths, with concerns about the emergence of severe variants, warranting continued global attention and preparedness.
ONE PAGE SUMMARY
What are the key points?
Underreported Cases:
COVID levels globally are substantially higher than reported, as indicated by wastewater data. This discrepancy is attributed to the prevalence of immunity due to vaccinations and prior infections, making it challenging to accurately assess the frequency of new infections.
Unknown Long-Term Effects:
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove highlights the uncertainty surrounding the long-term impacts of COVID, expressing concerns about potential cardiac, pulmonary, and neurologic impairments that may manifest years after infection. Long COVID, affecting 6% to 10% of those infected, is identified as a genuine condition requiring thorough study.
Ongoing Pandemic Challenges:
The WHO stresses that the world is still in the midst of a pandemic, with COVID defying seasonal patterns and evolving rapidly. The surge of a highly mutated Omicron variant (JN.1) contributes to the second-largest wave in the U.S. The true global impact is underestimated due to incomplete reporting by countries, leading to a need for more comprehensive data collection.
Underreported Deaths:
The official death count of 7 million is likely a vast underestimate, with death figures based on limited reporting from 50 out of 234 countries and territories. Hospitalization and ICU admission data are similarly incomplete, emphasizing the need for enhanced global collaboration and reporting.
Concerns about Variants:
Despite concerns raised by recent studies about the potential severity of variant BA.2.86 (parent of JN.1), the WHO maintains a “low” global risk assessment. The lack of preparedness for a more severe variant poses a significant concern, as countries no longer perceive COVID as a global threat.
What are the key strategies?
Comprehensive Data Reporting: Advocate for improved global collaboration and reporting to ensure accurate assessments of COVID cases, deaths, and hospitalizations.
Long-Term Impact Studies: Prioritize and fund research on the long-term effects of COVID, including cardiac, pulmonary, and neurologic impairments, to better understand and address potential health implications.
Enhanced Variant Surveillance: Strengthen global efforts in monitoring and studying emerging variants, with a focus on potential changes in severity and public health impact.
Global Preparedness: Encourage countries to maintain a state of preparedness for the potential emergence of more severe variants, ensuring the availability of essential supplies such as tests, antivirals, and medical oxygen.
What are the key statistics?
Underreporting: COVID levels are reported to be two to nineteen times higher than officially reported figures globally, based on wastewater data.
Long COVID: It is estimated that 6% to 10% of those infected with COVID will develop long COVID.
Global Impact: The official death count as of December 31 is reported as 7 million, but the true total is believed to be at least three times higher.
Hospitalizations and Deaths: Hospitalizations and ICU admissions rose by 42% and 62%, respectively, in December, with hundreds of thousands hospitalized worldwide, and around 10,000 deaths reported last month.
What are the key examples?
Wastewater Data: The revelation of underreported cases is substantiated by wastewater data, providing a more accurate representation of the actual prevalence of COVID in communities.
Incomplete Reporting: The incomplete reporting of deaths, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions by many countries underscores the challenges in assessing the true global impact of the pandemic.
Variant Concerns: While concerns are raised about the potential severity of variant BA.2.86, the WHO maintains a cautious approach, highlighting the need for further real-world evidence before reclassifying it as a variant of concern (VOC).
Conclusion
The WHO’s warning about underreported COVID cases, uncertainties regarding long-term effects, and concerns about variant threats call for immediate attention and global collaboration.
The ongoing pandemic demands comprehensive data reporting, enhanced research efforts, and preparedness for potential challenges posed by emerging variants.
The world must not underestimate the evolving nature of the virus and should remain vigilant in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by COVID-19.
To read the original publication, click here.
