The World Health Organization has named the COVID-19 variant spreading in Africa. Its first cases have already been reported in other regions of the world, including Europe. Why is the new WHO communication so important?
- The mutant COVID-19 strain, previously known as B.1.1.529, was designated with the Greek letter Omikron
- 50 mutations were detected in it. It is already described in the media as “probably the worst variant identified so far”
- WHO, apart from giving the name, classified it as the so-called variant of concern, ie of concern. This is how the variants that are more contagious or that elude immunity resulting from disease or vaccination are called. The latest message from a world organization is therefore an important warning
- Earlier, a similar one was issued e.g. for the Delta variant, which is now dominant
- More important information can be found on the TvoiLokony home page
The World Health Organization on Friday assigned the Greek letter Omikron to a new variant of COVID-19. WHO recognized this strain, previously referred to as line B.1.1.529, as the so-called a variant of concern. Health experts are deeply concerned about the possible rapid spread of the Omikron variant, in which as many as 50 mutations have been detected.
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WHO on the new COVID-19 variant. «More contagious»
It is worth recalling that the virus constantly mutates, but not all such changes contribute to its virulence. In this case, however, it looks like there is something to fear and that’s why the variant has earned its name.
«This variant has a large number of mutations, and some are disturbing. Preliminary studies suggest that Omikron is much more contagious than strains known so far » WHO experts wrote in a press release released on Friday evening.
A similar situation was previously with the Alpha variant, which – spreading from Great Britain – was responsible for the spring wave in Europe. The current wave is caused by the Delta variant, which has shown the highest contagion so far. Both of these variants were labeled “variant of concern”.
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The sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in the South African province of Gauteng, where a strongly mutated strain of the virus was first identified, could mean that it has a greater offensive potential than other variants known to date. As reported by WHO, the number of Omikron cases appears to be increasing in almost all South African provinces.
The variant was also detected in Israel, Botswana and Hong Kong. The first case was announced Friday in Europe, Belgium to be exact. The Guardian described it as “possibly the worst COVID-19 variant identified”.
Initially it was speculated that B.1.1.529 would be renamed “Nu”, but this did not happen. The WHO apparently chose to omit this letter of the Greek alphabet.
Variant of Omikron. WHO recommendations
In connection with the new COVID-19 variant, WHO has issued recommendations for countries:
- extend the sequencing of samples to monitor individual virus variants;
- publish collected data in publicly accessible databases such as GISAID;
- it is recommended to conduct research, including field studies, in order to check the impact of individual mutations on the development of the COVID-19 pandemic (contagiousness, mortality, elimination of immunity or the effectiveness of restrictions and treatment methods).
WHO recommends residents to continue to use safety measures, such as wearing well-fitting masks, frequent hand washing, keeping social distancing or airing rooms, as well as vaccination against COVID-19.
Read more: New strain “possibly the worst COVID-19 variant detected”. Why?
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