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Omicron Virus By Apurva Bhure

Omicron Varient :

The Omicron variant, variant B.1.1.529, was first reported to WHO on 24 November 2021 and was classified as a variant of concern by WHO on 26 November 2021. The classification was made on the advice of the Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution, based primarily on information from South Africa that the variant has a large number of mutations and has caused a detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology.

What makes omicron varient different from other varients?

All variants are different. The Omicron variant has a large number of mutations which may mean the virus acts differently from other variants that are circulating.

As of 1 December 2021, there is limited information about Omicron.  Studies are ongoing to determine if there is a change in how easily the virus spreads or the severity of disease it causes, and if there are any impacts on protective measures.

It will likely take time before there will be clear evidence to determine if there is any change in the transmission of Omicron compared to other variants, how the variant responds to existing therapeutics, or whether infection or re-infection with Omicron causes more or less severe disease.

WHO is working with technical partners to understand the potential impact of Omicron on vaccine effectiveness. Currently, the Delta variant is dominant worldwide and COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at protecting you from serious illness and death, including from infection with Delta. Researchers will assess the performance of current vaccines against Omicron and will communicate these findings as soon as they become available.

What is being done to understand more about the omicron variant?

WHO continues to coordinate with a large number of researchers around the world to understand more about all variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, including Omicron. Many studies are needed, including assessments of:

  • Transmissibility, or ease of spread from person to person, of Omicron as compared to other variants
  • Severity of infection and re-infection with Omicron
  • Performance of current COVID-19 vaccines against Omicron
  • Performance of diagnostic tests, including antigen tests, to detect infection with Omicron
  • Effectiveness of current treatments for management of patients with COVID-19 disease

WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution will continue to monitor and evaluate the data as it becomes available and assess if mutations in the Omicron variant alter the behaviour of the virus.

Apurva Bhure IT(4th year)