COVID cases on rise in the Americas, nations must monitor other viruses -PAHO

COVID-19 cases in the Americas increased 10.4% last week from the previous one, but countries must also pay attention to a rise in other respiratory viruses in the region, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said on Wednesday.

COVID-19 cases in the Americas increased 10.4% last week from the previous one, but countries must also pay attention to a rise in other respiratory viruses in the region, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said on Wednesday. The Americas saw 1,087,390 new cases and 4,155 deaths last week.

Cases in South America rose 43.1%, the biggest jump in the region, while the highest increase in COVID-related deaths was in Central America with at 21.3%, PAHO said in a news conference, adding that cases in the region have been growing for the past six weeks. Other respiratory viruses, such as influenza, Monkeypox and viral hepatitis, are also surging in the region, and nations need to pay close attention to these diseases too, PAHO Director Dr. Carissa Etienne said.

"The flu virus is circulating again and not just during traditional flu season," she said. "Countries should expand surveillance to monitor other respiratory viruses, not just COVID." So far, Mexico and Peru have seen higher numbers of influenza cases than expected, and Argentina, Chile and Uruguay have reported more hospitalizations than usual due to the virus.