WHO Warns of Global Rise in SARS-CoV-2 Activity Amid Low Hospitalization Reports

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an alert on a global uptick in SARS-CoV-2 activity, a variant of the virus responsible for COVID-19. This resurgence is based on recent data reported to the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) from sentinel surveillance sites worldwide.

As of 11 May 2025, the global test positivity rate for SARS-CoV-2 has reached 11% across 73 reporting countries, areas, and territories. This level mirrors the peak observed in July 2024, when positivity stood at 12% across 99 countries. The current rate also marks a notable increase from the 2% recorded by 110 countries in mid-February 2025.

According to WHO, this surge is primarily being driven by countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, the South-East Asia Region, and the Western Pacific Region. These areas are now experiencing significantly higher levels of virus circulation compared to earlier in the year.

Meanwhile, other parts of the world are reporting comparatively low SARS-CoV-2 activity. Countries in the African Region, European Region, and the Region of the Americas are showing positivity rates between 2% and 3% based on systematic virological surveillance. However, the WHO notes that some subregions—especially in the Caribbean and Andean areas—are beginning to exhibit upward trends in test positivity.

Encouragingly, publicly available wastewater monitoring data from countries in the European Region and North America continue to reflect low levels of viral activity. These findings, according to WHO, do not currently point to any significant resurgence in those regions.

Despite the increasing case numbers, the WHO report provides some reassurance: “The reporting of COVID-19 associated hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and deaths remains very limited in the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific Regions.” Due to this lack of comprehensive data, the organization is unable to fully assess the impact of the rising positivity on healthcare systems in these areas.

Still, the WHO has issued a warning to governments and health authorities across all regions to stay vigilant. “Nations must brace themselves, just in case,” the report cautions, urging countries to strengthen their surveillance, testing, and public health preparedness measures.

The latest update is a reminder that while the world has made significant progress in managing COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 remains a dynamic public health concern. The WHO continues to monitor trends closely and encourages timely reporting and transparent communication to ensure early detection and swift responses.