The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated on Wednesday that a surge in COVID-19 transmission during the previous month was attributed to holiday gatherings and the prevalence of the JN.1 variant, which is now the most prominent globally. Tedros noted nearly 10,000 deaths reported in December, urging governments to maintain surveillance and ensure ongoing access to treatments and vaccines. Although current vaccines should offer some protection against the JN.1 variant, WHO emphasized the importance of continued preventive measures, including vaccination, mask-wearing, and proper ventilation in indoor spaces.
WHO reports increased COVID-19 transmission linked to holiday gatherings and dominance of JN.1 variant.
