Washington, May 19 (RHC)-- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has warned of a 27.2 percent increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the Americas last week, with the United States being the country with the greatest increase.

According to the data presented by the regional body, of the 918,000 new cases registered in the week ending May 14, nearly 600,000 were concentrated in the United States. 

However, despite the increase in the U.S. over the last seven weeks, Central America was the region with the highest increase of the four subregions, with an 80 percent increase.

By country, in addition to the U.S., Brazil continues to lead with 120,000 new infections, representing a percentage increase of nearly nine points. 

Meanwhile, Argentina reported 34,000 new infections, one of the highest percentage increases in the region, with 92 percent.

In terms of deaths, Brazil, Venezuela and Paraguay also recorded an increase, and in this regard, it is worth noting that the United States has now surpassed the tragic figure of one million deaths due to causes associated with COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic.

The Caribbean has also seen a 9.3 percent increase in SarsCov-2 virus infections, while deaths have risen by approximately 49 percent. 

With regard to hospitalizations, the regional health authority warned of a rise in at least 18 countries, as well as an increase in admissions to Intensive Care Units (ICU) in 13 countries.