Omicron has been updated.
On the suggestion of WHO's Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution, WHO recognised the variety B.1.1.529 as a variant of concern, dubbed Omicron, on November 26, 2021. (TAG-VE). This conclusion was made based on data submitted to the TAG-VE that Omicron contains a number of alterations that could affect how it acts, such as how easy it spreads or the severity of the sickness it causes. Here's a rundown of everything we know right now.
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 planned 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, hospitalisation 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 have previously had COVID-19 may be more easily reinfected with Omicron), although data is limited. 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 be evaluated to see if they are still effective in light of the Omicron variant's alterations to portions of the virus.
Studies are now being carried out.
WHO is currently working with a vast number of researchers from all over the world to better understand Omicron. Assessments of transmissibility, severity of infection (including symptoms), performance of vaccinations and diagnostic tests, and efficiency of therapies are all currently underway or will be soon.
WHO urges countries to contribute to the gathering and exchange of hospitalised 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, as well as assess how mutations in Omicron affect the virus's behaviour.
Actions that countries should take
Because Omicron has been designated as a Variant of Concern, WHO recommends that countries improve surveillance and sequencing of cases, share genome sequences on publicly available databases like GISAID, report initial cases or clusters to WHO, and 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.
Furthermore, discrepancies in COVID-19 vaccine access must be quickly addressed to guarantee that vulnerable groups worldwide, including as health professionals and the elderly, receive their first and second doses, as well as equitable access to treatment and diagnostics.
People should do the following actions:
Individuals can reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus by maintaining a physical distance of at least 1 metre from others, wearing a well-fitting mask, opening windows to improve ventilation, avoiding poorly ventilated or crowded spaces, keeping hands clean, coughing or sneezing into a bent elbow or tissue, and getting vaccinated 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 be updated with new information.
