a day ago
Irish holidaymakers heading to European hotspots warned of ‘mild increase' in Covid
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said it is closely monitoring Covid activity Europe and the emergence of the recently identified Omicron-descendant variant NB.1.8.1. also known as Nimbus.
People may be more at risk of catching the virus because cases in winter were low and they will not have immunity.
The variant is already in Ireland and is regarded as more infectious although it does not cause more severe disease.
The ECDC said it has been associated with a rise in infections in some countries in Asia, including China, Hong Kong and Singapore.
ECDC is tracking five variants currently circulating, including NB.1.8.1, now classified as a 'variant under monitoring' by both ECDC and the World Health Organization (WHO).
It said that while recent weeks have shown a mild increase in SARS-CoV-2 activity from low baseline levels in European countries, respiratory primary care consultation rates remain at or below levels typically observed during this period in past seasons.
Importantly, no significant impact on severe disease indicators – such as hospital admissions, intensive care unit admissions or deaths – has been observed so far.
'SARS-CoV-2 is currently circulating at low levels in the EU/EEA, but its incidence could increase in the coming weeks', said Edoardo Colzani, ECDC Head of Respiratory Viruses.
'We do not anticipate the NB.1.8.1 variant to pose a greater public health risk than other Omicron-descendant variants, nor do we expect a significant impact on vaccine effectiveness against severe disease.
'However, following a winter with low SARS-CoV-2 circulation, population immunity against SARS-CoV-2 may have partly waned – particularly among older adults and other individuals who are at higher risk of severe disease – potentially increasing vulnerability as virus activity rises,' he added.
Covid-19 vaccination coverage in older adults remains suboptimal in several EU/EEA countries, with only one country exceeding 80pc coverage among those 80 years old and above, and seven achieving more than 50pc coverage. ECDC re-affirms that Covid-19 vaccines continue to offer strong protection against severe outcomes.
ECDC said it recommends maintaining timely and continuous, year-round surveillance and reporting of respiratory viruses across the EU/EEA. In case of sustained increases in COVID-19 cases, key recommendations include staying home when ill, practising good respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene, and ensuring appropriate ventilation of indoor spaces.
People with high risk for severe disease – as well as their caregivers and close contacts – should consider using a face mask when in crowded public spaces.
It is important that risk groups, including older adults, keep up to date with their Covid vaccinations as per national recommendations to maintain protection against severe disease
