The Moroccan Ministry of Health made it clear in a press release on Tuesday that there is no truth to rumors circulating concerning the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants and a purported increase in the severity of infected patients.
“In April and May of 2023, Morocco witnessed a mini wave of the third generation of the Omicron-XBB variant, which has been spreading all over the world since 2022,” said the Ministry in the statement.
It added, “The Omicron-XBB sub-variant and its sub-strains spread slightly during this eight-week wave, which led to 12 serious infections and one confirmed death.”
The Health Ministry assured the public that the epidemiological situation of COVID-19 in the country is normal, pointing out that the detected strains in Morocco pose no additional health risk as compared to earlier variants.
The Ministry attributed the dropping virulence and severity of COVID-19 waves to vaccination campaigns, natural immunity, and the ongoing decline in the severity of circulating variants.
It stated that although it is keeping a watchful eye on the COVID-19 situation both domestically and globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet released any warnings about a new strain of concern.
At present, a number of Omicron sub-variants are classified as “variants of interest” or under surveillance.
The Health Ministry recognizes that a rise in incidence of acute respiratory illnesses is caused by seasonal viruses, such as influenza.
It is therefore highly recommended that individuals, particularly those with chronic illnesses and the elderly, receive seasonal flu vaccinations and complete their COVID-19 vaccine with booster shots in order to avoid complications.
It is also urged that anybody experiencing respiratory problems to maintain distance from others, wear masks, and consult doctors.
For up-to-date information regarding the health and epidemiologic situation, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection reminded Moroccans to follow official and reliable sources solely, thereby refraining from spreading rumors and false information which might mislead and concern the public in an undue manner.