Situation Report of MPOX in Global and ASEAN Region - 27 July 2023

Global Updates

• Worldwide, over 692 million cases and over 6 million deaths have been attributed to COVID-19.

• US CDC: According to recent data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 hospitalizations in the United States have increased by more than 10% on a weekly basis (US CDC, 2023). This surge represents the most significant percent increase in hospitalizations since December. The CDC reported at least 7,109 hospital admissions of COVID-19 patients for the week of July 15, up from 6,444 during the previous week. Another concerning trend is the rise in the proportion of emergency room visits related to COVID-19. As of July 21, an average of 0.73% of the past week's ER visits were attributed to COVID-19, an increase from 0.49% reported through June 21. These new figures come after a period of relatively slowing COVID-19 trends across the country since the last wave of infections during the winter. However, it is worth noting that only the Midwestern region, comprising Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, did not record an increase in hospitalizations last week compared to the previous week. The rest of the nation is experiencing an upward trend in COVID-19 hospitalizations, underscoring the ongoing importance of preventive measures and vaccination efforts to curb the spread of the virus. [Full report] A new program, known as the “Bridge Access Program,” will give uninsured and underinsured adults in the US access to free COVID-19 vaccines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced. While partnering with state and local health programs, the CDC will also work with manufacturers and certain pharmacy chains— including CVS, Walgreens, and eTrueNorth—to ensure the availability and distribution of the vaccines. “The pandemic highlighted longstanding barriers to adult vaccination, including lack of accessibility, lack of availability, and lack of confidence,” the agency wrote in a statement, noting that between 25 million and 30 million people aged 18 through 64 years are currently uninsured. The initiative, which will launch this fall when COVID-19 vaccines shift to the commercial market, is a “temporary bridge” that is set to end in December 2024. A proposal to provide all recommended adult vaccinations at no cost for people without insurance has yet to be enacted.