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Coronavirus is no longer afraid of the sun and heat. Will a new strain threaten Ukraine in autumn?

EXCLUSIVE

Since the beginning of the epidemic season (from October 2023 to May 2024), the Ministry of Health has recorded 939 deaths from COVID-19. In May, when seasonal illnesses were supposed to decline, a new strain of coronavirus was actively spreading in the UK, the United States and Canada. US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell contracted a new mutation of the virus called Flirt. At the same time, in Ukraine, even in the summer season, people continue to get sick with coronavirus and complain of severe illness. "Komersant Ukrainian" found out whether the new strain threatens Ukrainians and when to expect a new wave of COVID-19 cases.

In a special interview with "Komersant Ukrainian" explains that the coronavirus has become a seasonal disease for us, which will always accompany people. Currently, in Ukraine, people with signs of pneumonia, severe respiratory illness, or who have been in contact with a patient with COVID-19 continue to be tested for coronavirus disease.

“Based on the results of all the tests conducted, we now have no more than 30 cases of coronavirus disease per month. There are also isolated fatalities among older people, mostly unvaccinated,” said Natalia Tymko.

No aggravation of the COVID-19 situation has been recorded in Ukraine so far, the infectious disease specialist adds. However, not all citizens are seeking medical attention today. Most are treated at home. Therefore, the number of patients may be many times higher.

At the same time, doctors do not rule out an exacerbation in the autumn-winter period and emphasise other diseases in Ukraine.

“At the same time, there is an increase in the incidence of other types of acute respiratory viral infections. There is enterovirus infection, which is manifested by fever. And there are many signs of an acute respiratory illness, but they are caused, among other things, by opportunistic pathogens,” Natalia Tymko said.

NEW STRAINS OF CORONAVIRUS: IS UKRAINE AT RISK?

In May, a new strain of coronavirus emerged in the UK, the US and Canada. Epidemiologists called for close monitoring and study of the new strain to prevent unpleasant surprises. As of July 2024, no such mutation of the virus has been recorded in Ukraine.

However, at the beginning of 2024, a new strain of coronavirus, Jenny (JN.1), was introduced in Ukraine, which was first detected in the United States in September 2023.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified it as a variant of interest due to its rapid spread.

Symptoms of the Jenny strain:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Nasal congestion
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Weakness

In some cases, the Jenny strain can also cause a skin rash, breathing problems, dizziness, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, loss of taste or smell, and diarrhoea.

According to the Ministry of Health, only one of the 9 people who were diagnosed with the new strain in Ukraine was fully vaccinated against COVID-19. That is, the clinical symptoms of the disease were moderate or mild.

To protect against the Jenny strain, doctors recommend vaccination or revaccination.

Author: Anastasia Fedor

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