COVID-19 News: 19 Cases Of BA.2.86 Detected In Greece While Country Records 53 New Weekly Deaths, Increasing Test Positivity Rates And Hospital Admissions!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Oct 06, 2023 6 months, 3 weeks, 6 hours, 41 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: The battle against COVID-19 continues, and Greece is closely monitoring the situation as it navigates the challenges posed by the virus. In the most recent update from the National Organization for Public Health (EODY), several key developments have emerged, shedding light on the current state of the pandemic in the country. From September 25 to October 1, Greece witnessed a series of important shifts and trends in the fight against the virus as covered in various local
COVID-19 News coverages.
https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1221725/covid-related-deaths-shoot-up-to-53-on-weekly-basis/
https://www.newsit.gr/ellada/koronoios-53-thanatoi-kai-36-diasolinomenoi-kerdizei-edafos-i-metallaksi-Pirola/3875311/
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COVID-19 Deaths and ICU Admissions
One of the most significant data points in the report is the number of deaths attributed to COVID-19. During this one-week period, Greece recorded 53 deaths from the virus. This figure represents a grim reminder of the virus's impact on individuals and families, highlighting the importance of ongoing efforts to control its spread.
Additionally, the report revealed that 36 patients required mechanical ventilation during the same week. This increase in ventilated patients compared to previous weeks raises concerns about the severity of some COVID-19 cases and the strain on the healthcare system.
Hospital Admissions And The BA.2.86 Strain
Hospital admissions for COVID-19 also saw a notable uptick during this period. A total of 868 new admissions were reported, indicating a surge in hospitalizations. What's interesting to note is that while the number of admissions increased compared to the previous week, it also represented a 19% increase when compared to the average number of weekly admissions over the previous four weeks.
However Greek health authorities claimed a slight decrease in admissions compared to the preceding week, to create a slight glimmer of hope. However, it is essential to monitor these numbers closely to determine whether this decrease is part of a sustained trend.
A new cause for concern emerged with the identification of a new sub-variant of the Omicron strain called BA.2.86, known as the Pirola mutation. Greece reported 19 cases of this sub-variant during the reporting period, signifying the virus's ability to evolve and adapt.
Test Positivity Rates and Viral Load
While there was an increase in the number of infections and admissions, it's crucial to delve deeper into the data. The report pointed out that the positivity rate in all tested samples slightly increased compared to the previous week. This suggests that a higher percentage of individuals being tested are turning out to be positive, which could be indicative of increased community transmission.
Viral load
surveillance in wastewater also provided valuable insights. It showed an increase in the circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in four out of eight tested areas. This information underscores the importance of comprehensive testing and monitoring to identify emerging hotspots and take appropriate measures.
Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses
Beyond COVID-19, the report also addressed the state of influenza and other respiratory viruses. Influenza-like illnesses, regardless of the pathogen causing them, remained at low levels. This suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced the prevalence of other respiratory infections.
Regarding influenza, the positivity rate in the community remained below 10%, as indicated by sentinel surveillance. The report did not report any new severe laboratory-confirmed influenza cases requiring ICU admission. However, one new death from laboratory-confirmed influenza was recorded, emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance against respiratory illnesses.
Conclusion
In summary, the latest update from Greece provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing battle against COVID-19. While there are challenges, including a rising number of admissions and the emergence of new variants, there are also signs of hope, such as a slight decrease in admissions in recent weeks.
The key takeaway is the importance of maintaining public health measures, vaccination efforts, and robust testing and surveillance to combat the virus effectively. As the situation evolves, Greece and the world continue to adapt to the changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the goal of minimizing its impact on communities and lives.
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COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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