Coronavirus may stick to young people “like a tornado with a long tail,” the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned, amid growing evidence that younger generations are driving spikes in infections across Europe.
Dr Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, told a press briefing he is “very concerned” that younger age groups are regularly appearing among new Coronavirus cases recorded on the continent.
“Young people are at the forefront of the COVID-19 response and they have a very powerful message to convey through their behaviour and their communication,” he said.
“Low risk does mean no risk, no one is invincible and if you do not die from COVID it may stick to your body like a tornado with a long tail.
“While young people are less likely to die than older people they can still be very seriously affected, this virus affects organs throughout the body.”
In England, the most recent data from Public Health England show that the 15-44 age group currently has the highest rate of infection of any other group – excluding those over 85.
A recent pre-print study from Imperial College London also found that of some 120,000 swabs taken from people in England in May, the highest levels of infection were recorded among those aged 18-24.
Similar developments have been reported in Luxembourg and Croatia, where the incidence in young groups is clearly rising. There have also been slight increases in the infection rate among young people in Austria, Denmark, Slovakia, Spain and Estonia.
On the basis of these trends, experts have warned that a second wave could target younger generations.
The first wave of COVID-19 has predominantly affected elderly people, those with underlying health conditions and ethnic minority groups.
But scientists fear young people enjoying their summer will be hit next – as was the case with the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic.
