The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is a variant of SARS-CoV-2,
the virus that causes COVID-19. The variant was first reported to
the World Health Organization (WHO) from South Africa on 24 November
2021. On 26 November 2021, the WHO designated it as a variant of concern and
named it after omicron.
The variant has an
unusually large number of mutations, several of which are novel and
several of which affect the spike protein used for most vaccine
targeting at the time of its discovery. This level of variation has led to
concerns regarding transmissibility, immune system evasion, and vaccine
resistance. As a result, the variant was quickly designated as being "of
concern", and travel restrictions were introduced by several countries to
limit or slow its international spread.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is
concerned that the large number of mutations may reduce immunity in people who
were previously infected and in vaccinated people. Then again, the omicron
variant might be more ineffective in this regard than prior
variants. The effects of the mutations, if any, are unknown as of late November
2021. The WHO warns that health services could be overwhelmed especially in
nations with low vaccination rates where mortality and morbidity rates are
likely to be much higher, and urges all nations to increase COVID vaccinations.
SYMPTOMS
No unusual symptoms have yet been associated with the variant
and, as with other variants, some individuals are asymptomatic.
According to the chairperson
of the South African Medical Association, Angelique Coetzee, said she had
first encountered the variant in patients who had fatigue, aches and pains, but
no cough or change in sense of smell or taste.
"South Africa
has a young population and it is encouraging that doctors there are reporting
that Omicron is causing mild symptoms with no increase in hospital admissions.
But we need to see what happens when the variant moves into older age groups
who are the most vulnerable to Covid” -Fergus Walsh added.
PREVENTION
On 26 November, BioNTech said
it would know in two weeks whether the current vaccine is effective against the
variant and that an updated vaccine can be shipped in 100 days if necessary.
As with other variants, the World Health Organization
recommended that people continue to keep enclosed spaces well ventilated, avoid
crowding and close contact, wear well-fitting masks, clean hands frequently,
and get vaccinated.
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