As the curtain of the year draws near amidst the season of festivities, Belgium finds itself in the grip of a resurgent COVID-19 wave, with a marked increase in the Omicron BA.2.86 sub-variant. Recent wastewater reports released by Sciensano indicated a high level of COVID-19 circulation, with the numbers spiking by 46% and an average of 446 daily infections being recorded.
Resurgence of Acute Respiratory Infections
Alongside COVID-19, Belgium is witnessing a significant rise in other acute respiratory infections such as flu and bronchiolitis, potentially causing an additional strain on the hospitals which previously grappled with a “triple epidemic.” While intensive care units are presently not overwhelmed, healthcare professionals remain vigilant and on high alert.
Surge in Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Cases
The country is also experiencing an increase in the cases of mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacterium causing pneumonia. The upsurge could be attributed to a normal recurrence or possibly due to reduced transmissions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health Precautions Amid Festive Season
As families prepare to gather for the holidays in the shadow of this resurgence, health experts are emphasizing the imperative nature of maintaining hygiene measures, getting vaccinated, and adhering to barrier gestures such as mask-wearing and proper ventilation. These measures are deemed crucial not only to prevent illness but also to safeguard the health of vulnerable individuals during these times.
Source: BNN Breaking
