Chile: Upsurge In COVID Cases In America Has Led To A Rise In Cases

There is a hike in cases among children in Chile.

As the incidence of COVID-19 infections in the Americas rises again for eighth week in a row, Pan American Health Agency (PAHO) Chief Carissa F. Etienne has urged for more monitoring as the influenza and cyclone periods begin.

Nations in the area have recorded a 10.4 percent increase in COVID-19 instances and a 14 percent increase in mortality in the last week, indicating a "double threat of a probable influenza surge accompanying a rise in COVID-19 cases," according to the Head.

Ever since start of COVID-19 almost two years ago, influenza infections have been abnormally low, but that is beginning to shift, according to the Director during a press conference today. "The flu vaccine is spreading again," she noted, noting that it isn't simply during influenza season.

While most nations have combined COVID-19 monitoring with seasonal influenza tracking, Dr. Etienne stressed that they need to improve their ability "to swiftly detect the diverse respiratory viruses prevalent in the Americas."