06 June 2025
Q: Is there an increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths in the Eastern Mediterranean Region currently?
COVID-19 cases are increasing all over the world, including in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
The virus will continue to mutate and evolve, and this results in new variants that may cause surging trends.
The current increases are caused by NB.1.8.1; a variant under monitoring and currently doesn’t pose any additional health risks compared to other variants circulating.
Therefore, these increases remain consistent with the levels observed during the same time last year, indicating no sudden, abnormal, or unexpected virus activity.
For now, the hospital and intensive care needed- treatments are very limited.
Q: How does WHO assess the situation?
Given that COVID-19 transmission continues at considerable levels in many areas, WHO’s latest risk assessment associated with COVID-19 remains high.
Until an updated risk assessment is released, WHO reiterates its recommendations to countries to continue monitoring and reporting COVID-19 activity and burden, as well as the impact on public health and the healthcare system.
Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions.
Q: How do I protect myself?
Help keep yourself and everyone safe from COVID-19, flu, and other respiratory illnesses.
Avoid crowds and keep a safe distance from others.
Wear a mask if you feel sick, have been close to people who are sick, if you are at high-risk. Or in crowded or poorly ventilated areas.Clean your hands frequently with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
Cover your mouth and nose