Over 40 Athletes At Paris Olympics Test Positive For Covid-19, WHO Says Cases Rising Worldwide

Data taken from 84 countries indicates that the percentage of positive tests for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19 disease, 'has been rising for several weeks', WHO said.

Over 40 athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics have tested positive for Covid-19, indicating a new global rise in cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday. The health organisation said the virus that spreads Covid-19 was still circulating, and advised countries to enhance their response systems, news agency AFP reported. 

Several high-profile athletes have been diagnosed with Covid-19 at the Paris Games, including British swimmer Adam Peaty. He tested positive a day after winning silver in the 100m breaststroke. His team said he was not feeling well and, according to BBC, Peaty missed his third consecutive gold win by 0.02 seconds on July 28. Additionally, Australian medal hopeful Lani Pallister withdrew from the women's 1500m freestyle after falling ill. She subsequently self-isolated in her room at the Olympic Village, reported Reuters

Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention director, said data taken from 84 countries indicates that the percentage of positive tests for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, "has been rising for several weeks", reported AFP. 

Additionally, wastewater surveillance, which typically provides a two- or three-week advance indication of case numbers, suggests that the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 is "two to 20 times higher than what is currently being reported", she was quoted as saying by AFP during a media briefing.

"This is significant because the virus continues to evolve and change, which puts us all at risk of a potentially more severe virus that could evade our detection and/or our medical interventions, including vaccination."

She said the high circulation was not typical for respiratory viruses as it tends to increase in circulation in the colder months.

However, "in recent months, regardless of season, many countries have experienced surges of Covid-19, including at the Olympics, currently, where at least 40 athletes have tested positive", she said. 

The WHO has urged people to ensure that they have received a Covid-19 vaccination dose in the last 12 months, especially people at high risk. It recommended administering Covid-19 vaccines alongside seasonal influenza vaccines as a way to boost coverage.