World Health Organization: A new strain of influenza is spreading rapidly, but vaccination remains the most effective defense

Dr. Wenqing Zhang, Head of the Global Respiratory Threats Unit in the WHO’s Epidemic and Pandemic Threat Management Department, said that influenza and other respiratory viruses are spreading, and this year is characterized by… “With the emergence and rapid spread of a new sub-strain of the AH3N2 virus.”.

She added in her statements during the bi-weekly press conference of United Nations agencies in Geneva that the new strain – called J.2.4.1 or sub-strain K – was first detected in August in Australia and New Zealand, and since then it has been discovered in more than 30 countries.

Noticeable development in the virus

The official at the World Health Organization confirmed that “Current epidemiological data do not indicate an increase in disease severity, although this genetic shift represents a notable development in the virus.”.

She explained that influenza viruses are constantly evolving, and for this reason the composition of the influenza vaccine is updated regularly.

added: “WHO monitors these changes, assesses the associated public health risks, and makes vaccine formulation recommendations twice a year, through a well-established global system, the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System, in collaboration with other global experts.”.

Dr. Jang explained that the new strain was not included in the composition of the latest vaccines produced for the influenza season in the Northern Hemisphere, however. “Preliminary evidence suggests that current seasonal vaccines still provide protection against severe disease and reduce the risk of hospitalization.”.

Strengthen diagnosis and surveillance

The World Health Organization estimates that there are about one billion cases of seasonal influenza annually, including up to five million cases of acute respiratory illness. Up to 650,000 deaths annually are attributed to respiratory illnesses associated with seasonal influenza.

Dr. Jang confirmed that “Vaccination remains our most effective defence, including against variants, especially for vulnerable populations and those who care for them.”.

The results of a preliminary estimate of the effectiveness of the vaccine against the new strain, published in the United Kingdom a few weeks ago, were confirmed “These are very promising results.”.

It advised countries to strengthen laboratory diagnostics and continuous disease surveillance throughout the year, and to participate in the World Health Organization’s Global Influenza Surveillance Network.

In response to a question about whether the United States will remain a member of the network next year despite its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization, Dr. Jang said: “From an influenza perspective, and from a respiratory disease surveillance and preparedness perspective, we certainly need all countries of the world to participate in surveillance, preparedness and response to influenza and other respiratory viruses, because we do not know the strain of the next epidemic, nor when or where it will appear.”.