Researchers in South Africa and around the world are conducting studies to better understand the many aspects of Omicron and will continue to share the findings of this study as it becomes available.
Transfers:
It is not yet clear whether Omicron is easily transmitted from humans to humans compared to other species, including the Delta.
The number of people diagnosed with HIV has increased in South Africa affected by these differences, but epidemiologic research is underway to determine whether it is due to Omicron or other factors.
Disease:
It is not yet clear whether Omicron infection causes a much worse disease compared to other strains, including Delta.
Preliminary data suggest an increase in sleep rates in South Africa, but this may be due to an increase in the number of people infected, rather than the result of a specific infection with Omicron.
There is currently no information that suggests that Omicron-related brands are different from those of other brands.
The diseases previously reported were among university students — young people who are prone to soft tissue — but understanding the severity of the Omicron variant will take days, depending on the few weeks.
"All the" variants of COVID-19, including the Delta variants that dominate the world, can cause serious illness or death, especially for the most vulnerable, so prevention is always important.
Effectiveness of pre-existing SARS-CoV-2 infections
Preliminary evidence suggests that there may be an increased risk of re-infection with Omicron (people who have previously had COVID-19 can re-infect more easily with Omicron), compared to other alternative concerns, but the information is limited.
More information on this will be available in the coming days and weeks.
Effectiveness of vaccines:
WHO is working with technology partners to understand the potential impact of this variation in our existing resistance measures, including vaccines.
Vaccines are still important in reducing the risk of serious illness and death, which includes resistance to the rotating diversity, Delta.
Current vaccines are still very effective against serious illness and death.
Current testing performance:
The most widely used RT PCR test continues to detect infections, including Omicron infection, as we have seen with other types as well.
Research is underway to determine whether there are impacts on other types of tests, including rapid antigen detection testing.
Current treatment performance:
Corticosteroids and IL6 Receptor Blockers will still be effective in treating patients with severe COVID-19.
Other treatments will be tested to see if they are still effective against mutations in the various viral components of Omicron.
Studies are ongoing:
Currently, WHO is working with a large "many" of researchers around the world to better understand Omicron.
Ongoing or ongoing research now or shortly includes infection testing, infection risk (including symptoms), the efficacy of vaccines and diagnostic tests, and treatment success.
WHO encourages countries to participate in the collection and sharing of hospitalized patient data through the WHO COVID-19 Clinical Data Platform to quickly define clinical features and patient outcomes.
More information will appear in the coming days and weeks.
The WHO TAG-VE will continue to monitor and evaluate the data as it becomes available and evaluate how genetic mutations in Omicron alter the 'behavior' of the virus.
Recommended international actions:
Since Omicron has been designated as a variant of Concern, there are several steps the WHO recommends for countries to take, including improving monitoring and follow-up cases; genetic sequence sharing on a publicly available website, such as GIS AID; reporting initial cases or clusters to WHO; conducting field research and laboratory tests to better understand whether Omicron has different transmission or disease characteristics, or contributes to the effectiveness of vaccines, treatments, diagnoses or public health and social measures.
For more information on the November 26 announcement.
All States should continue to use effective public health methods to reduce the overall distribution of COVID-19, using risk analysis and a science-based approach.
They should be empowered with certain public health and medical powers to control the increase in cases.
The WHO provides all countries with support and guidance in both readiness and response. In addition, inequalities in access to COVID-19 vaccines must be addressed promptly to ensure that vulnerable groups everywhere, including health workers and the elderly, receive their first and second doses, as well as equal access to treatment and diagnosis.
Recommended actions for people:
The most effective measures people can take to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus to maintain a real distance of at least one meter for others; wear a suitable mask; open windows for air conditioning; avoid areas with poor ventilation or congestion; keep hands clean; coughing or sneezing in the curved elbow or muscles, and be vaccinated when it is their turn.
WHO will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available, including the following TAG-VE meetings.
In addition, details will be available on WHO's digital communication and communication platforms.
You must be logged in to post a comment.