The Omicron variant of the coronavirus, which has appeared in more than 60 countries, poses a “very high” global risk, with some indications that it escapes vaccine protection, but clinical data on its severity remain limited, the World Health Organization said. Health Organization (WHO).
There are significant doubts about Omicron, which was first identified in South Africa and Hong Kong last month, whose mutations could lead to higher transmissions and more coronavirus cases, according to a WHO document released yesterday.
“The overall risk associated with the new Omicron variant of interest remains very high for a number of reasons,” the paper said, reiterating the first assessment on November 29.
“Preliminary data suggest the possibility of escaping humoral immunity to infection and high transmission rates, which could lead to further increases (cases) with serious consequences,” the WHO said, referring to the potential for the virus to evade the immune antibodies.
The WHO cites some preliminary evidence that the number of people being re-infected with the virus has risen in South Africa.
Although preliminary findings from South Africa suggest that Omicron may be a less severe variant than Delta – which currently dominates the world – and all reported cases in Europe are mild or asymptomatic, It remains unclear to what extent Micron may be inherently less contagious, it added.
“More data is needed to understand the severity profile. Even if it is less severe than the Delta variant, hospitalizations are expected to increase as a result of the increased transmission. More hospitalizations risk straining health systems and leading to more deaths.” , it is noted.
The announcement concludes that more information is expected in the coming weeks indicating the interval between infections and its effects.
Follow Skai.gr on Google News
and be the first to know all the news
.
