Surge in COVID Cases A Growing Concern

 A Growing Concern

COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Bangladesh, with a new sub-variant of the virus called 'JN.1' adding to concerns. The number of cases in December 2022 was relatively low, with fewer than nine cases reported daily during the first seven days of the month. However, in January 2023, there has been a noticeable increase, with more than 10 cases reported daily during the initial week and 22 cases reported on a recent Friday.

Professor Tahmina Shirin, Director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control, and Research (IEDCR), highlighted that the reported cases may not reflect the actual situation. Testing for COVID-19 has decreased, leading to undetected cases, and there is a growing concern about the rising infection rate. The cause behind this surge is identified as the new corona sub-variant 'JN.1,' which is a subtype of the omicron variant.

The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed concern about 'JN.1' due to its rapid spread. However, it is noted for not causing severe symptoms, and the mortality rate among infected individuals is relatively low. WHO warned that regions experiencing or approaching winter may see an increase in both winter influenza and 'JN.1' infections.

IEDCR confirmed the presence of the 'JN.1' variant in Bangladesh after testing samples from six COVID-19 patients. Five of them tested positive for the sub-variant, detected in Dhaka and an adjacent city.

The national technical advisory committee on COVID-19 discussed 'JN.1' on January 2, advising IEDCR to enhance monitoring and surveillance while reviewing the global situation. The committee recommended the government prepare hospitals and conduct medical tests for individuals arriving from abroad.

Bangladesh reported its first COVID-19 case on March 8, 2020, and has conducted over 16.3 million tests, with more than 2 million positive cases and 29,479 deaths. The recent death of a woman aged between 41 to 50 years in Dhaka on January 14 highlights the ongoing challenges.

In response to the evolving situation, the WHO and the national technical advisory committee have recommended a fourth dose of the COVID vaccine for those at risk. The directorate general of health services plans to provide the third and fourth shots of the Pfizer vaccine initially in eight centers in Dhaka, targeting frontline health workers, individuals aged 60 or older, those with chronic diseases, people with low immunity, and pregnant women.

The government is procuring 25 million vaccines from Pfizer through the international vaccine alliance, Gavi, with plans to distribute them from April. Authorities are making efforts to vaccinate those at risk who have not yet received any doses, starting initially at Mohakhali Covid Dedicated Hospital and Mahanagar General Hospital in the capital.

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