2023-02-14-世界卫生组织-Weekly_epidemiological_update_on_COVID-19_-_15_February_2023_16页_1mb

Global COVID-19 Update Summary

Global Overview

This edition reports a significant decrease in COVID-19 cases and deaths compared to the previous 28 days, with a 92% reduction in new cases and 47% in deaths, based on data up to 12 February 2023. Globally, over 755 million confirmed cases and over 6.8 million deaths have been recorded. Case trends are underestimated due to reduced testing and reporting delays, and data should be interpreted with caution. Regional declines vary: the Americas and Europe saw substantial decreases, while Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean experienced increases.

SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Omicron remains dominant, accounting for over 99.8% of global sequences. Subvariants like XBB.1.5 have increased prevalence, with some showing enhanced transmissibility and immune escape. Vaccine effectiveness against Omicron has declined, particularly for preventing infection and symptomatic disease, though protection against severe disease remains higher. Emergent subvariants like BQ.1.1 and XBB continue to be monitored for potential impact.

Regional Highlights

• Americas: Cases decreased by 46%, deaths by 1%. Countries like the US and Brazil reported high numbers.
• African Region: Case decrease of 23%, death increase of 22%. South Africa and Zimbabwe had significant death spikes.
• Eastern Mediterranean: Small case decrease (2%), large death increase (33%). Lebanon and Iran reported high cases and deaths.
• European Region: Sharp case decrease (52%), moderate death decrease (50%). Germany and Italy had substantial case reductions.
• South-East Asia: Major case drop (59%), death decrease (60%).
• Western Pacific: Drastic case reduction (96%), death decrease (58%). China and Japan contributed to high global figures.

Hospitalizations and ICU Admissions

Hospitalizations and ICU admissions decreased by 53% and 24% respectively during the period, reflecting ongoing declines in severe cases, but data caution applies due to reporting delays and preliminary nature.

Key Considerations

• Surveillance limitations affect data accuracy, with regional variations influenced by local immunity, testing rates, and public health measures.
• Vaccination provides some protection but efficacy wanes, and new variants require continuous monitoring.