United States: After following a decreasing pattern, COVID-19 has again shown an upward trend in the United States and its nearby regions, increasing the threat related to the infection. The sudden surge has increased the curiosity of the experts, who have now asked the public to get complete vaccinations. 

It is to be noted that the threat linked to the concerns has emerged after an increase in cases was reported in Alberta once again. 

Amidst the statistical landscape of the province’s respiratory virus dashboard, various pivotal metrics, encompassing case enumerations, hospitalization admissions, and positivity proportions, are on an increasing trajectory.

“In the recent days of April, several regions across Canada have witnessed a marginal surge in the tally of COVID cases, the positivity ratio, and also in the monitoring of their wastewater,” stated Dr Dan Gregson, a distinguished infectious diseases expert affiliated with the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary.

Numerous factors are likely in play, he asserted.

“It’s a confluence of diminishing immunity and the virus’s heightened transmissibility, eluding the immune defenses accustomed to the preceding strain,” the expert mentioned.

The most recent statistical insights from Alberta Health reveal a count of 114 individuals hospitalized with SARS CoV-2, marking an escalation by over two dozen in a fortnight. Six individuals are currently under intensive care.

Reflecting on the situation at the University of Alberta Hospital, Dr Stephanie Smith, an infectious diseases practitioner, remarked that the recent uptick isn’t manifesting as a surge in severe COVID cases, yet a discernible pattern is evident.

“What we observe is patients being admitted for other maladies and subsequently contracting COVID within the hospital premises due to visitors or room-sharing,” she outlined.

“The majority of them do not deteriorate severely. However, there are exceptional instances of patients with severe immunosuppression succumbing to severe illness. Nonetheless, we possess therapeutic interventions to mitigate the progression of the disease to a severe state in those contracting COVID within the hospital.”

Smith emphasized the exacerbating impact of hospital strain and overcrowding.

“Our hospitals are severely stretched, resulting in patients being accommodated in hallways, and rooms designed for two individuals now accommodating three, thereby impeding infection control measures,” Smith expressed.

“I reckon this is perhaps our most pressing challenge presently and a significant factor contributing to the transmission,” he added.

As per data from the Alberta Health Services website, seven hospitals were grappling with COVID-19 outbreaks as of April 30.

The mandate for enhanced masking, aimed at curbing COVID-19 transmission, is no longer in force within AHS facilities.

Nevertheless, Smith noted that many healthcare personnel in the wards where she operates continue to adhere to mask-wearing practices routinely.

The province’s COVID-19 mortality tally continues its ascent, with publicly available data indicating a total of 552 Albertans succumbing to the illness since August 27.

Assessing one’s risk

Both medical professionals are urging Albertans to assess their vulnerability to severe illness and strategize their vaccination regimen accordingly.

“The crux lies in ensuring that individuals at high risk are diligent in maintaining the currency of their vaccine dosage. That’s the simplest recourse,” emphasized Gregson.

“For those at elevated risk frequenting densely populated areas, mask-wearing serves as a prudent measure to mitigate risk.”

High-risk demographics in Alberta — encompassing seniors, immunocompromised individuals, and members of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities — became eligible for supplementary doses of the XBB.1.5 vaccine on April 15, provided it has been six months since their last inoculation.

According to Gregson, while COVID transmission witnessed a decline for several months, it never reached a state of extinction.

“We grapple with a persistent undercurrent of infections occurring continuously, punctuated by sporadic surges. The previous significant surge was witnessed in the autumn of 2023.… Whether the forthcoming summer will witness a complete abatement of cases remains uncertain,” he remarked.

“A respite from this perpetual challenge would be most welcome.”