Colombia is currently going through a respiratory peak. According to the analysis of circulation and genomic sequencing in the country, the latest genomic surveillance report from the INS, dated January 9, confirms that the circulation of the different variants of Ómicron continues in the country: the XBB identified since March 2023, which continues to circulate; and the new JN.1 variant, which has been circulating in Colombia since the week of December 24 and which originates from the Ómicron BA.2.86 variant. This last identified variant, JN.1, is declared of interest by the World Health Organization, WHO, given that it is the dominant variant in the USA and responsible for the peak of infections that occurs in the northern hemisphere, such as in Europe, in the winter season.
(Also read: New JN.1 variant of Ómicron is in Colombia; respiratory peak was warned)
The Government and the WHO/PAHO asked risk groups to be vaccinated against covid-19 and influenza.
Medellin’s town hall
Compared to the percentage of occupancy of ICU beds, as of January 8, 2024, the authorities reported 65.4% of pediatric ICUs occupied, (587 beds of the 896 ICUs available) and of these the occupancy due to covid-19 is 18 cases (9 confirmed and 9 suspected, which corresponds to 3.06%).
On the other hand, compared to the occupancy percentage of the 7,510 adult ICU beds reported, it is evident that 67% are occupied and of these, the occupancy due to covid-19 is 0.52% with 26 cases (18 confirmed and 8 suspects). Currently there are 2,500 beds available, which corresponds to 33%.
Additionally, the Government indicated that the country has safe and effective vaccines that protect against the seasonal influenza virus and against covid-19, available in more than 3,000 care centers throughout the national territory. These vaccines are only available for children under two years of age, the population with comorbidities over 18 years of age, and medical personnel.
During these weeks, a large number of viruses circulate in the environment due to crowds and changes in weather.
(Also read: JN.1 variant of covid-19: these are the symptoms of omicron circulating in Colombia).
In this context, during the year 2023, 1,274,186 doses against covid-19 were administered, distributed in a primary scheme, boosters and additional doses, of which 35% corresponds to the vaccine administered to boys and girls from 6 months to 17 months. years and 757,400 doses of Bivalent vaccine against covid-19 were made available, which are available throughout the national territory. Protection against seasonal influenza southern strain 2023 began in the month of May and to date 4,352,469 doses have been administered to the highest-risk population groups.
In this sense, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the INS and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) called on the entire community to strengthen preventive measures and contribute to containing the increase in the transmission of respiratory viruses. , through the following recommendations:
Have the entire vaccination schedule up to date, especially against covid-19 and influenza, taking into account that additional doses against covid-19 are available for all people who have had their last dose at least 6 months ago and who belong to high-risk population groups, such as the population over 18 years of age with comorbidities, human talent in health and people over 60 years of age.
In the event of any respiratory symptoms, self-care measures and care for others should be adopted, such as the use of masks, frequent hand washing, physical distancing, and staying home significantly contribute to limiting the transmission of respiratory viruses, the combination of vaccination and Personal preventive practices are crucial to protect the population and stop the spread of these diseases.
In the event of serious symptoms of acute respiratory infection due to a respiratory virus, it is advisable to seek medical attention immediately and receive treatment, especially among those groups at higher risk, such as children under two years of age and older adults, pregnant or postpartum women; people with underlying clinical morbidity (eg, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, etc.); people with immunosuppression; and people with morbid obesity.
Consult information from reliable sources: The population must remain attentive and adhere to all the recommendations that are generated, having as references official pages of the WHO/PAHO, MinSalud, INS that are constantly monitoring epidemiological changes and virus circulation trends. respiratory, such as influenza, RSV, covid-19 and others.
“Vaccines are safe and save lives, you can receive them for free at any of the 3,000 vaccination points in the country, regardless of affiliation or immigration status,” said the Ministry of Health.
EDWIN CAICEDO | HEALTH UNIT EDITOR
@CAICEDOUCROS | @HEALTH
2024-01-10 18:03:23
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