PAHO Biweekly COVID-19 Epidemiological Update - 18 May 2023

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  • Since the onset of the pandemic in 2020 and up to 17 May 2023, a cumulative total of 766 million COVID-19 cases including 6,9 deaths were reported from all six WHO regions. During epidemiological week (EW) 18 & 19, cases decreased in all regions, and deaths decreased in 4 regions while they increased in AMRO and AFRO.

  • Globally, approximately 1,160,507 new COVID-19 cases were reported in EW 18 & 19 (30 April 2023 – 13 May 2023) - a -19.0% decrease compared to EW 16 & 17 (16 April 2023 - 29 April 2023) (Figure 1). For the same period, 8,171 new COVID-19 deaths were reported globally – an -8.6% relative decrease compared the previous week.

  • In the region of the Americas, 275,988 cases and 4,492 deaths were reported in EW 18 & 19 – a -17.0% decrease in cases and 23.0% increase in deaths compared to the previous 2 weeks.

  • At the subregional level, COVID-19 cases increased in 2 subregions (Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands and Central America). Deaths increased in 3 subregions (North America, South America, and Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands).

  • The overall biweekly case notification rate for the region of the Americas was 27 cases per 100,000 population during EW 18 & 19 compared to 32.5 the previous 2 weeks.

  • Among 26 countries/territories in the region with available data, COVID-19 hospitalizations increased in 8 countries and territories (range: 2.7% - 166.7%) during EW 18 & 19 compared to the previous 2 weeks. Among 16 countries and territories with available data, COVID-19 ICU admissions increased in 7 countries and territories (range: 1.2% - 400%).