Respiratory viruses, including influenza, are surging globally, according to WHO officials briefing journalists in Geneva on Tuesday. A newly emerging influenza A(H3N2) variant, known as J.2.4.1 or subclade K, has been detected in more than 30 countries after first being identified in Australia and New Zealand in August.
WHO’s Unit Head for Global Respiratory Threats, Wenqing Zhang, said current data do not indicate that the new variant causes more severe disease, despite notable genetic changes.
Influenza viruses evolve constantly, which is why vaccine formulations are reviewed and updated regularly through the WHO-led Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System, which operates in collaboration with laboratories and experts worldwide.
The newly circulating variant is not included in the current seasonal influenza vaccines for the Northern Hemisphere. However, early evidence indicates that existing vaccines continue to protect against severe disease and reduce the risk of hospitalisation.
An early study conducted in the United Kingdom found that the vaccine is about 75% effective against severe illness and hospitalisation in children, and around 35% effective among adults.
WHO estimates that seasonal influenza causes about one billion infections each year, including up to five million cases of severe respiratory illness and as many as 650 000 deaths globally.
With the holiday season approaching, the agency has warned of a possible further rise in respiratory infections. Countries are being urged to strengthen preparedness measures, including promoting vaccination, enhancing laboratory diagnostics and maintaining year-round disease surveillance.
Special attention is being placed on protecting high-risk groups such as older people, young children, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions, as well as health workers and caregivers.
WHO also highlighted the importance of global cooperation in influenza monitoring, noting that early detection of new strains can significantly reduce the loss of life by speeding up vaccine development and public health responses.
The organisation has called on all countries to remain engaged in global surveillance efforts, stressing that collective action remains essential to managing influenza and preventing future pandemics.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
