The WHO warns of an increase in COVID-19 cases worldwide and of potentially more dangerous variants.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned this Tuesday that Covid-19 is increasing worldwide and stated that it is "unlikely" that infections will decrease in the short term.

Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, director of Pandemic Prevention at the WHO, said at a press conference that "Covid-19 is still very much present," and indicated that the decline in vaccination coverage is increasing the risk of a more virulent strain emerging that could cause severe illness.

The expert presented the data from the health agency's surveillance system and explained that tests conducted in 84 countries have shown positive results in more than 10% of the cases.

"In Europe, that percentage is above 20%," he emphasized; and he detailed that new waves of infection have been recorded in America, Europe, and the western Pacific.

He pointed out that even at the current Olympic Games, which are being held these days in Paris, at least forty athletes tested positive for Covid-19.

Van Kerkhove explained that wastewater surveillance indicates that the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 is two to twenty times higher than the documented figures.

Danger of a more severe strain emerging.

The WHO expert emphasized her concern about the lack of adherence to vaccination guidelines, stating that all individuals should ensure they receive a booster dose once a year, especially those belonging to high-risk groups.

Kerkhove acknowledged that, while the availability of vaccines is much lower due to having fewer suppliers in the last year and a half, there remains a need to distribute and administer them to reduce the risk of infection.

The main concern of Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove and the institution she represents is that low coverage, combined with increased circulation of the virus, could put the global population in a vulnerable situation if a particularly severe subvariant appears.

"As individuals, it is important to take measures to reduce the risk of infection and severe illness, including ensuring that you have received a dose of the covid-19 vaccine in the last twelve months, especially if you belong to a high-risk group," concluded Van Kerkhove.

The WHO constantly monitors the virus and its strains.