At the suggestion of WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution, WHO recognized the variety B.1.1.529 as a variant of concern. It is called Omicron, on November 26, 2021. This conclusion was made based on data submitted to the TAG-VE. Omicron contains several mutations that could affect how it acts, such as how easily it spreads or the severity of the sickness it causes. Here’s a rundown of everything we know right now.
Omicron current state of knowledge
Many parts of Omicron are being studied by researchers in South Africa and around the world. The findings will be public as they become available.
Transmissibility
It’s unclear whether Omicron is more transmissible (easier to pass from person to person) than other variations, such as Delta. In areas of South Africa afflicted by this variation, the number of people testing positive has increased. But epidemiologic studies are underway and they plan to determine if this is due to Omicron or other factors.
Disease severity
It is unknown whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease than infections with other forms, such as Delta. According to preliminary data, hospitalization rates are rising in South Africa. However, this could be due to an increase in the general number of persons becoming infected rather than a specific Omicron illness. There is currently no evidence that the symptoms associated with Omicron are distinct from those associated with other variations. The first cases of infection were among university students, who are younger and had a milder condition. Although determining the severity of the Omicron form will take days to weeks. All COVID-19 variations, including the globally widespread Delta variant, can cause severe sickness or death, especially in the most vulnerable persons. Hence prevention is always the best option.
Prior SARS-CoV-2 infection’s effectiveness
Preliminary research suggests that Omicron may have a higher probability of reinfection than other variations of concern. (i.e., those who previously had COVID-19 may be more easily reinfected with Omicron). Although data is insufficient. In the next days and weeks, more information about this will become accessible.
Vaccine effectiveness
WHO is working with technical partners to determine the impact of this variation on existing countermeasures, such as vaccines. Vaccines, notably those against the major circulating form, Delta, are crucial in lowering severe disease and death. Current immunizations are still effective in preventing serious illness and death.
Effectiveness of existing testing
As with previous variants, the commonly used PCR tests continue to detect infection, including infection with Omicron. Other types of tests, such as quick antigen detection tests, are being studied to see if there is any impact.
Current treatments’ efficacy
Corticosteroids and IL6 Receptor Blockers will continue to be successful in the treatment of patients with severe COVID-19. Other therapies will go through an evaluation to see if they are still effective in light of the Omicron variant’s alterations to portions of the virus.
Studies underway
WHO is currently working with a vast number of researchers from all over the world to better understand Omicron. Assessments of transmissibility, the severity of infection (including symptoms), the performance of vaccinations and diagnostic tests, and the efficiency of therapies, etc. They are all currently underway or will be soon.
WHO urges countries to contribute to the gathering and exchange of hospitalized patient data via the WHO COVID-19 Clinical Data Platform. So that clinical features and patient outcomes can be described quickly.
In the next days and weeks, more information will become available. TAG-VE of the WHO will continue to monitor and evaluate data as it becomes available. Also, assess how mutations in Omicron affect the virus’s behavior.
Actions that countries should take for omicron
Who designates Omicron as a Variant of Concern. WHO recommends that countries improve surveillance and sequencing of cases. They share genome sequences on publicly available databases like GISAID, report initial cases or clusters to WHO. Also, conduct field investigations and laboratory assessments to better understand if Omicron has different transmission or disease characteristics, or has an impact on vaccine effectiveness. More information can be found in the announcement from November 26.
Countries should continue to use a risk analysis and science-based approach to undertake appropriate public health interventions to limit COVID-19 circulation generally. To deal with an increase in instances, they need to expand some public health and medical capacities. WHO provides help and advice to nations in terms of both readiness and reaction.
Furthermore, discrepancies in COVID-19 vaccine access must quickly address to guarantee that vulnerable groups worldwide. Thereby, including health professionals and the elderly, receive their first and second doses, also equitable access to treatment and diagnostics.
People should do the following actions for omicron
Individuals can reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus by maintaining a physical distance of at least 1 meter from others. Wear a well-fitting mask, open windows to improve ventilation. Avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces, keep hands clean, coughing or sneezing into a bent elbow or tissue, and get the vaccine when their turn comes.
As more information becomes available, including following TAG-VE meetings, WHO will continue to provide updates. In addition, the WHO’s digital and social media channels will update with new information.