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Global activity of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19, has shown some recent increases. As of late May 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a global test positivity rate of 11%, matching levels not seen since July 2024. This uptick has primarily affected countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific regions. Surveillance data also indicate a rise in the NB.1.8.1 variant, which now accounts for 10.7% of reported global sequences. WHO emphasizes that continued monitoring and an integrated, risk-based approach to COVID-19 management remain crucial, with vaccination considered the core measure to prevent severe disease and death, especially for at-risk groups[3].

Similarly, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has noted a mild increase in SARS-CoV-2 activity in EU/EEA countries over recent weeks, though this rise has not yet led to a significant effect on severe disease indicators such as hospital and ICU admissions or deaths. The newly identified NB.1.8.1 Omicron-descendant variant is under close observation, but current risk assessments do not suggest it will lead to more severe outcomes or diminish the effectiveness of vaccines. ECDC stresses the importance of year-round surveillance and urges improved vaccine uptake, particularly among older adults where coverage remains suboptimal[7].

In England, national surveillance confirms that as of late June 2025, COVID-19 activity was at baseline levels, having decreased across most indicators. The latest reports also show that influenza and other respiratory viruses, such as RSV, are circulating at low or baseline levels. Hospital admissions for severe respiratory illnesses remain low, with only four new admissions for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), just one of which was linked to an acute respiratory infection caused by a virus other than influenza, COVID-19, or RSV[1].

Data from the CDC on the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season indicate that the combined peak in hospitalizations from COVID-19, influenza, and RSV was similar to or lower than the previous season. Notably, COVID-19 and RSV hospitalizations peaked lower than in 2023-2024, while influenza saw unexpectedly high hospitalization rates. There have been no new COVID-19 variants with high immune-escape properties detected, contributing to a lower burden of hospitalizations for COVID-19 compared to recent years. COVID-19 vaccine uptake has also improved slightly, with 22.6% of adults receiving the updated vaccine as of February 2025[2][4].

Regarding the original SARS (SARS-CoV), there have been no recent outbreaks reported. Clinical management remains supportive, with no vaccine available. Standard infection control measures—such as isolation, use of PPE, and contact tracing—remain the pillars of SARS prevention and control[5].

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