Social media posts are circulating, claiming a new wave of coronavirus is sweeping the globe, specifically linking the increase in cases to the NB.1.81 strain. Nurmat Atabekov, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Sanitary-Epidemiological Wellbeing and Public Health, addressed these concerns.
“While reports emerged in March of coronavirus variant NB.1.81, initially detected in China, spreading to several countries, claims of a new global COVID-19 wave are unfounded,” the specialist noted.
Since April 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) has ceased daily reporting of coronavirus infections, a trend mirrored by many individual countries. This itself indicates a stable global epidemiological situation. Furthermore, widespread circulation of SARS-CoV-2 NB.1.81 remains officially unconfirmed by the WHO.
“It’s no secret that groups exist globally with an interest in spreading sensational coronavirus news. Therefore, the current circulating reports should be viewed in this context. The likelihood of a new wave is virtually zero,” Atabekov explained.
Atabekov reassured the public that Uzbekistan’s epidemiological situation is stable, with the virus now largely perceived as a typical respiratory illness. Diagnostic and treatment capabilities remain in place, and the population has developed herd immunity—a situation mirrored globally.
“While isolated COVID-19 cases still occur, only patients with underlying chronic conditions require hospitalization. Others receive outpatient care due to mild symptoms. Regarding reports of ‘new viruses,’ approximately 45,000 coronavirus mutations have been identified globally, a process that continues. However, only 10-15 have caused significant illness. Therefore, there’s no need to panic over mutations,” the statement clarifies.
Atabekov reiterated that Uzbekistan maintains a robust monitoring system tracking circulating viruses. Regular analyses of patient samples are conducted in specialized laboratories.