The whole world is battling against the omicron variant. The WHO warned of the presence of new sub-variants such as the stealth Omicron. Here’s all you need to know about it.
What is the ‘stealth Omicron’?
In between the rising Omicron cases, health officials from the UK are detecting a growing number of BA.2 variant cases. According to reports, the BA.2 variant, also known as ‘stealth Omicron’ is rising in the UK and Denmark. As per the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), a minimum of 400 cases were found in the UK. So far, researchers have identified three sub-strains of the omicron- BA.1, BA.2, and, BA.3. Currently, the UK health agency classified BA.2 as a Variant Under Investigation (VUI).
“Virology labs worldwide are currently scrambling to assess BA.2. Even with slightly higher transmissibility this absolutely is not a Delta,” tweeted Tom Peacock, a virologist. “Several countries are near, or even past the peak of BA.1 waves. I would be very surprised if BA.2 caused a second wave at this point. Even with slightly higher transmissibility this absolutely is not a Delta -> Omicron change and instead is likely to be slower and more subtle,” he added.
More on the BA.2 variant and its spread:
Currently, the spread of the stealth omicron is reported across 40 nations. It includes Sweeden, India, Singapore, Germany, the Philippines, Norway, and France. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the overall risk involving Omircron is high. Currently, the new variant is accounting for bout 89 percent of all cases. “We have some indications that it just may be as contagious or perhaps slightly more contagious than (original) omicron since it’s able to compete with it in some areas,” said Dr. Wesley Long. Dr. Long is a pathologist with the Houston Methodist in Texas.
“The vaccines are still providing good defense against severe disease, hospitalization, and death. Even if you’ve had COVID 19 before – you’ve had a natural infection- the protection from the vaccine is still stronger, longer-lasting, and actually does well for people who’ve been previously infected,” he added. However, the UN health body has not designated the stealth omicron as a variant of concern. They are currently closely monitoring the situation to better understand it.