WHO team in Italy to review COVID-19 situation

Italy has reported a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases since February 21, especially in the northern regions of particularly in Lombardy and Venet. An initial investigation by Italian authorities has found several clusters of cases in different regions of northern Italy with evidence of local transmission.

Rome: A team of experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has arrived in Italy to support authorities in understanding the COVID-19 situation in the country which has reported seven fatalities and over 220 infections.

In a statement on Monday night, the WHO said that at this stage the focus was on limiting further human-to-human transmission and the team would provide support in the areas of clinical management, infection prevention and control, surveillance and risk communication.

Italy has reported a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases since February 21, especially in the northern regions of particularly in Lombardy and Venet.

An initial investigation by Italian authorities has found several clusters of cases in different regions of northern Italy with evidence of local transmission.

"While limited local person-to-person transmission of COVID-19 in countries outside of China was expected, the rapid increase in reported cases in Italy over the past two days is of concern. However, it should also be noted that based on current data, in the majority of cases, or 4 out of every 5, people experience mild or no symptoms," the WHO said.

The information provided by WHO showed that health authorities in Italy were currently implementing measures to prevent onward transmission including closing schools and bars and canceling sports events and other mass gatherings in the areas affected.

This aligns with the containment strategy currently being implemented globally to stop the spread of COVID-19, the WHO said.

"COVID-19 is a new virus that we need to take very seriously. This mission to Italy is one of how WHO/Europe is supporting countries across the region. We are working hard with our member states to ensure that they are ready for COVID-19, preparing for the arrival of cases and possible localized spread," said Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe.

"WHO stands by the Government of Italy in its efforts and commitment to mitigate this outbreak and manage the cases effectively. Now is the time for solidarity and cooperation, to work together to protect everyone's health."

The WHO noted that countries across the European region continue to prepare for and respond to cases of COVID-19.

"This includes establishing how to promptly detect sick people, testing samples from suspect cases, ensuring appropriate infection control and case management to minimize the risk of the virus spreading and maintaining communication with the public," the WHO said in the statement.

(With inputs from IANS)