Washington, Nov 29, : The world is on alert because of the Omicron Covid strain.However, the Delta variant continues be a major contributor to the pandemic, contributing to 99 percent of cases, the World Health Organisation said Monday. The latest variant B.1.1.529 SARS-CoV-2 virus was classified by the global health organization as a “Variant Of Concern” (VOC).This means that it could be more contagious, virulent, or skilled at evading public healthcare measures, vaccines, and therapeutics.It was first detected in Botswana, Africa.
Since then, it has spread to many European countries, including Belgium, France, the UK, Canada, and the Netherlands.
“We know that the main cause of the pandemic in the world is the delta variant,” said Soumya Swaminathan, WHO Chief Scientist.
On Monday, the WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swminathan stated that more than 99 percent of cases are due to the delta variant.More deaths are occurring in those who are not vaccinated.”
Swaminathan stated, “I believe that’s our priority while (the Omicron variant) is being discovered more about,”
Omicron’s transmissibility is a concern for health professionals, given the unusual combination of mutations and profile of Omicron that is different from other variants of concern.However, the WHO stated that it isn’t clear how transmissible this variant is or whether it will increase the severity.
“It isn’t yet clear whether Omicron (e.g.more easily spread from one person to another) is more transmissible than other variants including Delta,” the WHO stated in a statement.
It is not known if Omicron infection causes more severe disease than other variants of the virus, including Delta.
In South Africa, Omicron was discovered.Since then, the number of infections and hospitalizations have increased dramatically.This could be due to an increase in the number of people being infected rather than Omicron specific infection.
“There is no evidence to suggest that Omicron symptoms are different from those associated with other variants.
Initial reports of Omicron infections were made in university studies, which are younger people who tend to have milder diseases.However, understanding the severity of Omicron variants will take days to weeks,” the global health organization stated.
Swaminathan stated that scientists are conducting experiments to understand the variant and called on countries where it has been detected to share their genomic sequence data and clinical data through WHO’s platforms.
“What we want to know is if this variant is more transmissible than delta?” We would love to know if there is an alternative clinical pattern, is this more severe or more severe when it causes illness.CNBC quoted Swaminathan as saying.
She added, “And thirdly, and most importantly, is this variant capable of evade immune reactions either after natural infection, or after vaccinations?”
She stated however that it is reasonable to assume that existing vaccines will provide some protection against the new strain.She stated that it was important that everyone who is still unvaccinated or has only received one dose of vaccines, get a complete course of vaccination.
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