Spread of Mutated Virus in Khuzestan Coincides with 52% Increase in Mortality Rate in One Week
Coinciding with reports of a 52% increase in coronavirus mortality statistics in Khuzestan over the past week, the Abadan School of Medical Sciences announced the spread of a mutated virus in several cities across the province.
Mohammad Alavi, head of Khuzestan Health Center, said on Tuesday evening, February 17, that compared to the previous week, COVID-19 cases in the province increased by 75%, hospitalizations by 65%, and deaths by 52%.
Meanwhile, the head of Abadan School of Medical Sciences also confirmed on Wednesday, February 18, that the mutated virus was identified in Shadegan, Abadan, and Khorramshahr cities, stating that this virus is spreading in the southwestern regions of the province.
So far, Iran’s Ministry of Health has officially reported 17 patients infected with the mutated coronavirus and three deaths caused by this virus, but it appears that given the transmission power of this virus, the actual number of infected people exceeds these figures.
The accuracy of coronavirus statistics in Iran has always been seriously questioned, and various sources, from domestic political figures to independent observers and experts, estimate the actual number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Iran to be several times higher than official figures.
Based on World Health Organization estimates, people infected with the new type of coronavirus transmit it to an average of 1.5 people, whereas this rate was 1.1 people for the previous coronavirus strain.
Hejatolah Khosravi, governor of Imam Khomeini Port, announced on Wednesday, February 18, the implementation of quarantine measures at the port’s entry points based on decisions by the National Coronavirus Task Force.
According to Mr. Khosravi, from today until the end of the red alert status, entry of non-local vehicles to this port city will be restricted.
Based on the latest report from Iran’s Ministry of Health on Tuesday, the cities of Abadan, Ahvaz, Bandar Mahshahr, Dezful, Dasht Azadegan, Shadegan, Shushtar, Karun, and Hoveizeh are in red alert status.
The spokesperson for the Coronavirus Task Force in Khuzestan said on February 15 that the cities of Ramhormoz, Shush, Omidiyeh, and Masjed Soleiman in the province are in orange alert status, and the remaining cities are in yellow alert status.
According to a resolution by the National Coronavirus Task Force, if the number of hospitalizations in a city is reported as two per 100,000 people, that city’s status is classified as blue or “low risk.” If four people per 100,000 are reported, the status is yellow with “moderate risk.” If this figure reaches six per 100,000, the city is classified as orange and “high risk,” and if it reaches 10 per 100,000, the city is classified as red and “very high risk.”
Source: Radio Farda
