NEW VIRUS OUTBREAK
A new strain of Corona, known as B.1.1.529 or Omicron Variant was recently named by the World HealthOrganization.
Answers to certain questions are yet to be answered and honestly, it will take a while before hard questions can be answered. Questions like antibodies resistance, reinfection of vaccinated individuals and methods of vaccination against this new strain.
What is the Omicron variant?
The variant known scientifically as B.1.1.529 was first noticed and reported by the South African government in November 24. World Health Organization with this new information elevated its profile and status substantially within 2 days.
“This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning. Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant, as compared to other.(COVID)
This strain has been detected at faster rates than previous infection, suggesting that this particular may have a growth advantage. It might be stronger.
In the morning of November 29, the variant has been detected in at least 15 countries on five continents. Dutch state broadcaster reported that among 600 passengers from two quarantined flights out of South Africa, 10% tested positive for some version of the coronavirus.
Media indicated that many confirmed cases were in vaccinated people, but South African doctors stated the majority of the infected were unvaccinated individuals.
This Omicron Variant has become alarming as scientist and World leaders are becoming aware of the fast spread. And they want to act faster that before.
Signs and symptoms of the Omicron variant
it is too soon to tell for sure, if omicron is more or less virulent than others.
a renowned scientist said on Monday that omicron does seem more infectious, but he said it will take more time to figure out more about this new strain. He said 6 weeks is enough time to study the strain closely. They fathers said that if in fact the variant is more resistant to their vaccines than past strains, they could develop and distribute a modified vaccine in or within 100 days.
Less than 48 hours after the world found out about B.1.1.529, now known as Omicron, most major governments has put travel bans to and from South Africa and other African countries like Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
Although the Omicron variant has not been reported seen in the United States but their authorities say they are actively looking for it. In New York right now, there’s a state of emergency as they don’t want to be caught off guard.
MORE INFORMATION:
–LIST OF COUNTRIES THAT HAVE PUT STRICT TRAVEL BANS DUE TO NEW VIRUS OUTBREAK