COVID-19 infections in New Zealand remain steady with 2414 new cases and 22 deaths, flu season adds to health concerns
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 22, 2024 4 months, 21 hours, 15 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: A Snapshot of COVID-19 Cases
The past week has seen New Zealand grappling with 2,414 new COVID-19 infections and 22 more deaths attributed to the virus. Despite a slight decline from the previous week's 2,640 new cases and 30 deaths, the numbers remain worrisome. Of the new cases, 1,429 were reinfections, highlighting the persistent challenge of combating the virus.
COVID-19 infections in New Zealand remain steady with 2414 new cases and 22 deaths,
flu season adds to health concerns
Hospitalizations currently stand at 162, with no cases in intensive care, providing a slight relief in terms of severe outcomes. The regions most affected include Canterbury, Waitematā, and Counties Manukau, where the majority of the new cases were reported.
According to certain
COVID-19 News reports, COVID-19 testing is extremely low and, in some cases, inaccessible due to COVID-19 test kit shortages and hence the official figures might not represent the true spread and impact of COVID-19 in the population.
Weekly Data Insights
According to Te Whatu Ora's latest updates, the situation remains critical but manageable. The seven-day rolling average for new cases has seen a slight decrease, with 299 new cases and 347 rapid antigen tests uploaded on average daily.
https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/for-health-professionals/data-and-statistics/covid-19-data/covid-19-current-cases/
Detailed Case Breakdown
Total Cases Since First Reported: 2,683,663
Total Reinfections: 393,942
Reinfections within 90 Days: 26,766
Recovery and Mortality
The total number of recovered cases stands at 2,677,309, with 2,276 recoveries reported in the last week. However, the death toll attributed to COVID-19 has reached 4,268, with 22 additional deaths reported over the past week. According to local COVID-19 News reports, the New Zealand Ministry of Health recently updated its definition of 'deceased' to include only those deaths directly attributed to COVID-19, providing a confusing picture of the virus's impact.
Deaths with COVID-19
COVID as the Underlying Cause: 2,688 (increase of 15)
COVID as a Contributory Cause: 1,580 (increase of 7)
Total Deaths with COVID-19: 6,552
Of the 52 reported deaths, the distribution was as follows:
Northland: 3
Auckland Region: 18
Waikato: 7
Bay of Plenty: 5
Hawke's Bay: 5
Taranaki: 1
Wellington Region: 1
Nelson Marlborough: 1
Canterbury: 4
South Canterbury: 1
Southern: 6
The deceased ranged in age from their 30s to over 90, with 21 women and 31 men among the
victims.
The Rising Threat of Influenza
As New Zealand navigates through another wave of COVID-19, a new health concern looms on the horizon: the flu season. The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) has reported an uptick in influenza infections, with hospitalizations in Auckland reaching their highest levels in two years.
https://www.esr.cri.nz/digital-library/respiratory-illness-dashboard/
Influenza A Dominates
Influenza A strains are currently predominant, causing a significant number of hospitalizations and straining healthcare resources. In the first week of July alone, six separate outbreaks of respiratory viruses were reported, predominantly involving respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with half occurring in aged care facilities.
Combined Health Challenges
The simultaneous spread of COVID-19 and influenza presents a dual threat, exacerbating the strain on New Zealand's healthcare system. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and adhere to health guidelines to mitigate the impact of both viruses.
Protective Measures
Health experts recommend continued vaccination efforts for both COVID-19 and influenza, alongside maintaining hygiene practices such as regular hand washing, mask-wearing in crowded places, and staying home when feeling unwell.
Looking Ahead
The coming weeks will be critical in determining how effectively New Zealand can manage the dual outbreaks. The healthcare system is bracing for increased pressure, and public cooperation will be vital in controlling the spread of both COVID-19 and the flu.
Stay Informed
Regular updates and detailed information about the ongoing COVID-19 situation can be accessed through official health channels. Staying informed and following public health advice remains crucial in navigating these challenging times.
As New Zealanders face these ongoing health challenges, the collective efforts of the community, healthcare professionals, and authorities will be key to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.
For the latest
COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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