With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev

Covid cluster in hotel for Olympic players as cases surge in Tokyo

A cluster of Covid-19 cases has been identified at a hotel where the Brazilian Olympic team is staying. Also, Tokyo recorded 1149 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, the highest number of daily cases in six months. Seven staff at the hotel in Hamamatsu city, southwest of Tokyo, had tested positive for the coronavirus. These infections point out the risk of hosting the Olympics during the pandemic, even if is held without spectators. The Russian womens rugby team were also in isolation after their masseur tested positive for COVID-19, as was part of the South African mens rugby team after a case on their inbound flight. A state of emergency has been imposed in Tokyo till 8th August, when the Olympic Games will come to a close (Medscape, July 15, 2021)

US FDA cautions about increased risk of Guillain-Barré Syndrome with J&J Covid-19 Vaccine

The US FDA has revised the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine fact sheet for healthcare providers administering vaccine (vaccination providers) and for recipients and caregivers to include a warning about increased risk of Guillain-Barré Syndrome following vaccination.

The Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers notes that vaccine recipients should seek medical attention right away if they develop any of the following symptoms after receiving the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine: weakness or tingling sensations, especially in the legs or arms, that’s worsening and spreading to other parts of the body; difficulty walking; difficulty with facial movements, including speaking, chewing or swallowing; double vision or inability to move eyes; or difficulty with bladder control or bowel function... (Source: US FDA, July 13, 2021)

Beta variant may also be more transmissible

The second wave of Covid-19 in South Africa, primarily driven by the Beta variant (B.1.351) recorded a dramatic increase in the number of cases compared to the first wave (240.4 per 100,000 people vs 136 per 100,000, respectively), hospital admissions (27.9 per 100,000 vs 16.1 per 100,000) and deaths (8.3 per 100,000 vs 3.6 per 100,000), as per a study in The Lancet Global Health.. A multivariable analysis of the second wave showed a 31% increased risk of in-hospital death (adjusted OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.28-1.35). Mortality was particularly high when the hospitals were stretched to their capacity. According to the authors, the beta variant binds more strongly to the ACE2 receptors thereby increasing the risk of transmission (Medpage Today, July 12, 2021).

Joint CDC and FDA Statement on Vaccine Boosters

In a joint statement, the CDC and the US FDA have said that “Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time. FDA, CDC, and NIH are engaged in a science-based, rigorous process to consider whether or when a booster might be necessary. This process takes into account laboratory data, clinical trial data, and cohort data – which can include data from specific pharmaceutical companies, but does not rely on those data exclusively. We continue to review any new data as it becomes available and will keep the public informed. We are prepared for booster doses if and when the science demonstrates that they are needed” (Source: CDC).