Recent Rise in COVID-19 Infections: Experts Explain the Reasons and Countermeasures

Tech 2024-08-14 01:21:10 Source: Network

Recent Rise in COVID-19 Infections: Experts Explain the Reasons and CountermeasuresRecently, there has been an upward trend in the number of COVID-19 infections, drawing public concern. Data released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows a continuous increase in the nationwide positivity rate of the novel coronavirus, rising from 8

Recent Rise in COVID-19 Infections: Experts Explain the Reasons and Countermeasures

Recently, there has been an upward trend in the number of COVID-19 infections, drawing public concern. Data released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows a continuous increase in the nationwide positivity rate of the novel coronavirus, rising from 8.9% between July 1st and 7th to 18.7% between July 22nd and 28th, a significant jump. Meanwhile, data from the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that the number of COVID-19 infections in the province climbed from 8,000 in June to 18,000 in July, registering a more than twofold increase. Dr. Kerkhove, Technical Lead at the World Health Organization, has also highlighted that data from sentinel surveillance systems in 84 countries and regions worldwide show an increase in the percentage of positive COVID-19 tests in recent weeks, exceeding 10% overall, with Europe even exceeding 20%.

New Wave of Transmission Risk? Experts Explain Current Dominant Strains

In the face of the recent surge in COVID-19 infections, the public is understandably worried about a potential new wave of transmission. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that the dominant circulating strains are currently Omicron variants, with the JN.1 series and XDV series variants predominating.

Professor Yang Zhanqiu, from the Institute of Virology at the School of Basic Medicine, Wuhan University, explains that the JN.1 strain belongs to the third-generation branch of the Omicron series variant BA.2.86.1.1, first detected in the US in August 2023. Over the past year, the proportion of infected individuals with this strain in the US has rapidly increased, making it one of the primary circulating strains. Late December last year, the JN.1 strain was detected in Shanghai, China, and the population has developed a certain degree of immunity to it.

The XDV strain is also a third-generation Omicron variant, but its new characteristics have not yet been identified, and it is currently being monitored separately from JN.1 by the Chinese CDC.

Professor Yang points out that both JN.1 and XDV strains are not new viruses and share characteristics with Omicron:

Recent Rise in COVID-19 Infections: Experts Explain the Reasons and Countermeasures

1. High transmissibility: Omicron variants have more mutation sites than other subtypes, making them highly transmissible.

2. Easy infection: Omicron variants possess immune escape capabilities, making it difficult for the body's immune system to recognize them, leading to increased infection risk.

3. Weaker pathogenicity: The primary clinical symptoms in infected individuals include sore throat, nasal congestion, fever, and muscle aches. The proportion of patients developing severe cases, complications, or death remains relatively low.

Increased Population Mobility during Summer Could be the Main Driver of Infection Rise

Professor Yang analyzes the reasons behind the recent increase in COVID-19 infections, attributing it to the summer holidays, with students on break, office workers taking vacations, and a surge in travel across various regions. This has resulted in crowded conditions in tourist destinations, public transportation hubs, and other areas, objectively increasing the opportunities for rapid virus transmission. For instance, during the recent Paris Olympics, 40 athletes were reported to have contracted COVID-19 or other respiratory pathogens, likely due to the dense crowds in competition venues.

Furthermore, some studies suggest that higher summer temperatures may be more conducive to virus transmission. However, Professor Yang also notes that while there is an increase in transmission during summer, the current COVID-19 positivity rate is still lower than during the colder months. A large-scale epidemic is unlikely at this time, and the public should not be overly concerned.

Recent Rise in COVID-19 Infections: Experts Explain the Reasons and Countermeasures

Experts Recommend Personal Protection Measures and Vaccination

To mitigate infection risk, Professor Yang advises the public to take personal protective measures when traveling during summer or visiting crowded, enclosed spaces. This includes wearing masks, frequent handwashing, and maintaining a safe social distance. Masks are not required outdoors where there is good airflow. Individuals with weaker immune systems can consult their doctor about getting vaccinated against Omicron variants to boost their immunity.

Summary

The recent rise in COVID-19 cases is primarily attributed to increased population mobility during the summer, creating favorable conditions for rapid virus transmission. The dominant circulating strains are currently Omicron variants, which are highly transmissible but have weaker pathogenicity. The public should not be overly alarmed. Taking personal protective measures, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and getting vaccinated are effective strategies to reduce infection risk.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is sourced from the internet. The copyright of the text, images, and other materials belongs to the original author. The platform reprints the materials for the purpose of conveying more information. The content of the article is for reference and learning only, and should not be used for commercial purposes. If it infringes on your legitimate rights and interests, please contact us promptly and we will handle it as soon as possible! We respect copyright and are committed to protecting it. Thank you for sharing.(Email:[email protected])

Mobile advertising space rental

Tag: Recent Rise in COVID-19 Infections Experts Explain the Reasons