HPSC Reports Substantial Surge in Covid-19 Cases

In a concerning development, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has confirmed a substantial surge in Covid-19 cases over the past week. According to the latest figures, there were 1,049 confirmed cases in the week ending last Saturday, marking a 60% increase from the previous week’s 650 cases.

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Hospitalisations have also surged, with 486 reported in the last week, a 56% rise compared to the previous week. Despite the spike in cases and hospitalisations, there have been only three Covid-19 related deaths, and no new intensive care admissions linked to the virus.

Surge in Covid-19 Cases Leading to Moderate to High Circulation and Impact on Vulnerable Populations

The HPSC reports that the current level of Covid-19 circulation is “moderate to high.” Doctors note that the predominant variants, JN.1 and KP.3, are not associated with more severe disease. The most affected age group is those aged 65 and older, with the highest number of cases in Co Cork, which reported nearly 300 cases last week.

The surge has impacted vulnerable locations, particularly healthcare settings, hospitals, and nursing homes, with 14 new outbreaks reported this week, up from 48 the previous week. This increase in outbreaks highlights the ongoing challenge of containing the virus in environments with high-risk populations.

The current HSE vaccination campaign, which began in April 2022, targets individuals aged 80 and older, residents of long-term care facilities, and immunocompromised individuals aged five and older. Although not a primary target group, those aged 70 to 79 can also request the vaccine. Uptake of booster courses among residents of care facilities was highest in Co. Dublin, accounting for 31.6% of completions between March 2024 and last Sunday. Among the immunocompromised, uptake was highest in Co. Dublin at 32.9% and in Co. Cork at 18%.

As the summer wave of Covid-19 continues to surge, public health officials urge vigilance and adherence to recommended health measures to mitigate the virus’s spread.