WHO Warns of Rapid Influenza Spread in Europe as Subclade K Becomes Dominant

Oslo — The World Health Organization’s (World Health Organization) Regional Office for Europe said on Wednesday (Dec 17) that influenza has spread across Europe faster than usual this winter. Influenza A (H3N2), now the predominant strain, is placing added pressure on healthcare systems in several countries.

The organization noted that this year’s flu season began about four weeks earlier than in previous seasons. Among 38 countries reporting data, at least 27 are experiencing high or very high levels of influenza transmission. In Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom, more than half of patients tested for influenza-like illness have returned positive results.

Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said that while influenza typically resurges every winter, this year’s pattern is somewhat different.

Kluge explained that influenza A (H3N2) subclade K, a newly emerging subclade, is the main driver of current infections. However, there is currently no evidence that this subclade causes more severe disease. The WHO reported that this subclade now accounts for as much as 90 percent of all laboratory-confirmed influenza cases in the region.

The organization added that preliminary data from the United Kingdom indicate that the current seasonal influenza vaccine helps reduce the risk of severe illness caused by influenza A (H3N2), even though it may not fully prevent infection. Vaccination remains the most important preventive measure to avoid severe disease, particularly for high-risk groups such as older adults, people with underlying medical conditions, pregnant women, children, and healthcare workers, who are also among the priority groups.

The WHO expects case numbers to continue rising until the seasonal peak, which is likely to occur in late December or early January. While most patients are expected to recover on their own, those with severe symptoms or underlying health conditions are advised to seek medical attention.

Source: www.xinhuathai.com

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