Geneva: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning about the swift spread of a new influenza strain across the Northern Hemisphere, highlighting the importance of vaccination as the primary defense mechanism.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Wenqing Zhang, who leads the Global Respiratory Threats Unit at WHO, disclosed that a novel influenza subtype, AH3N2, also referred to as J.2.4.1 or subclade K, has emerged and is rapidly spreading. Initially detected in Australia and New Zealand in August, this strain has now been reported in over 30 countries.
Dr. Zhang stated that, based on current data, there is no evidence of increased disease severity despite the genetic evolution of the virus. She emphasized that the constant evolution of influenza viruses requires regular updates to the vaccine composition to ensure effectiveness.
The WHO estimates that seasonal influenza results in approximately one billion cases each year, with about five million of these being severe and up to 650,000 resulting in fatalities.
The organisation has urged countries to improve laboratory diagnostics, sustain continuous surveillance throughout the year, and engage in the global influenza monitoring network. It stressed that international cooperation is critical in tackling these health challenges.