By Antonis Kritikos
Some very useful information regarding the newly introduced Omicron mutation was given exclusively on the show Weekend Group on SKAI by Eftychia Barda, chief virologist of the laboratory in Johannesburg, whose scientific team detected the first case in the South.
Journalist: As I understand it, the rapid spread of the Omicron mutation in South Africa is what scientists are concerned about, as it demonstrates how this mutation can spread rapidly everywhere. Do you think it will eventually dominate the world?
Virologist: I think it will dominate. Of course we know that it has been found in other countries besides South Africa. It turns out that in South Africa after we discovered that this mutation is available, it has surpassed the Delta mutation. Until recently, only Delta was located, but in the last two weeks, Omicron has dominated. It has been detected in all new covid cases at this time.
Journalist: What do we know about Omicron contagion? Do you disperse faster than Delta?
Virologist: Yes! That’s clear right now. The data on dispersion are clear. It spreads fast, much faster than the Delta. An infected person can in turn infect up to 3 to 4 people, so it is a virus that is transmitted faster. What we do not know is how vaccines will work in this mutation. There is some data at the moment that shows that they may not respond as well but that data is not enough at the moment. We will have to wait a little longer before we come to this. What is very clear is that re-infections can occur. People who have been infected with another variant in the past can be re-infected with Omicron.
Journalist: From what you are saying I understand that we do not have a clear picture at the moment whether Omicron can prevail over vaccine immunity or natural immunity. But does it cause significant illness?
Virologist: The studies we have seen and our patients tell us that it is a milder disease. We are not sure if this means that he has milder symptoms anyway or if the patients have been ill or vaccinated in the past and because of this the severity of the disease has been mitigated. However, at this time we see mild cases and this is the good news.
Journalist: Countries around the world are taking extra measures especially because of Christmas. I guess this is because we do not know how dangerous the new variant is.
Virologist: I believe in how people try to limit dispersion. But that will not be possible. We have seen that travel restrictions do not help. It has already been identified in other countries. It will only help that we all take the steps we know. Wear a mask, wash your hands and keep your distance. Of course now in the holidays not to participate in large gatherings. Most vaccinated are the best measure we have against the mutations, including Omicron. The most interesting thing is that in South Africa we see a lot of new diagnoses and here it is summer. Clearly every country spreads regardless of the season.
Journalist: Are all these new diagnoses in South Africa all diagnoses of the Omicron variant?
Virologist: Undoubtedly. We see Omicron dispersing. We see it in all age groups and not only in children. At the moment all our new diagnoses are of the Omicron variant.
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