On 26 November 2021, the World Health Organisation (WHO) designated the variant B.1.1.529 a “variant of concern”. It has been named “omicron”, a letter in the Greek alphabet, in line with WHO’s naming system.
Here is what we know so far about the new variant.
Does it spread faster than other variants?
According to the WHO, it is not yet clear whether omicron is more transmissible compared to other variants. However, other scientists say its many mutations may allow it to spread faster. While the number of people testing positive has risen in areas of South Africa affected by this variant, studies are still being done to find out if it is because of the new variant or other factors.
Does it cause more severe illness?
According to the WHO, there is currently no evidence that symptoms omicron symptoms are more severe than those of other variants.
Dr. Angelique Coetzee of the South African Medical Association, one of the first doctors to raise alarm over the variant, was quoted as saying: “It presents mild disease with symptoms being sore muscles and tiredness for a day or two not feeling well.”
Do vaccines work against it?
Scientists are still studying this. Some expect vaccine efficacy to be reduced by the variant.
However, on Monday, November 29, South Africa government advisor, Prof Salim Abdool Karim, said “current vaccines’ effectiveness against hospitalisation and disease is likely to remain strong”.
On November 26, South Africa’s Ministry of Health said out of a small sample taken of people hospitalized by the variant, the majority of the patients were unvaccinated. “It indicates that the vaccines are providing protection”.
What about Zimbabwe?
The Ministry of Health is currently carrying out genomic sequencing from a sample of recent cases to find out if the variant is now present in the country.
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