The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified a new type of coronavirus in South Africa called omicron, which the WHO says can spread faster than other variants, as a cause for concern.
According to a statement released after a closed-door meeting of independent experts who reviewed the data, the variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are worrisome. According to the text, based on preliminary evidence, there is an increased risk of reinfection with this variant compared to other variants of concern as well.
Whoever is notified, current PCR tests are able to identify the OMICRON virus group.
In addition to the omicron officially registered as B.1.1.529, four other types of coronavirus are considered mutations of concern because they are more dangerous, more infectious, more lethal, or less effective than previous versions of the virus.
After a variant first identified in the Republic of South Africa, the European Union (EU) and Britain have tightened border controls as scientists try to determine if the new variant is resistant to vaccinations. The United States and Canada subsequently took similar steps.
Mike Ryan, director of emergencies for the World Health Organization, praised health authorities in South Africa for discovering the new variant, MTI reported.
