Omicron Sub-Variant Found In 57 Countries – WHO

A sub-variant of the Omicron coronavirus strain has been detected in 57 countries according to the World Health Organization.

Apparently, according to studies conducted, the new sub-variant could even be more infectious than the original version.

The fast-spreading and heavily mutated variant has rapidly become the dominant variant worldwide. However, officials first detected it in Southern Africa about 10 weeks ago.

The WHO said in its weekly epidemiological update that the variant currently accounts for over 93% of all coronavirus specimens collected in the past month. It further said the variant counts several sub-lineages; BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2, and BA.3.

The BA.1 and BA.1.1, the versions first detected apparently account for over 96 percent of all Omicron sequences uploaded to the GISAID global science initiative.

However, there has been a rise in cases involving BA.2, which counts several different mutations from the original. This includes the spike protein that dots the virus’ surface and is key in entering human cells.

They added that in some countries, the sub-variant now accounts for over half of all Omicron sequences.

To note however, BA.2 is more infectious than the original Omicron, according to several recent studies.

Despite that, the variant in general causes less severe disease than previous coronavirus variants which wreaked havoc. These include Delta and Van Krkhove.

Check Also;

• Vaccines Still Effective Against Omicron Variant – WHO Chief Scientist
• British Data Indicates Low Hospitalization Rate for Omicron
• South Africa’s COVID Cases Reach 3Million Amid Omicron Fueled Surge

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