Health

(Video) Be Careful With New Variant of COVID-19 Called ‘Omicron’ Variant

On the 24th of November 2021, a number of scientists in South Africa have reported that a new coronavirus variant with a higher number of mutations than was found in other variants. Two days later, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the new variant, which is called the ‘Omicron’ variant was indeed a variant of concern (VOC).

To stay safe, the particular announcement has led many countries in this whole world to impose travel restrictions. This decision was based on the evidence presented to the TAG-VE that the ‘Omicron’ variant has several mutations that may have an impact on how it behaves, for example, on how easily it spreads or the severity of illness it causes.

@drchampzOmicron, megatron, decepticon. Whats next? #learnontiktok #jombelajar #tiktokdoc_my #kitajagakita #covid19 #coronavirus♬ original sound – DrChampz☆チェーミ

Transmissibility Of The Variant

It is not yet clear whether Omicron is more transmissible compared to other variants, including Delta. The number of people testing positive has risen in areas of South Africa affected by this variant, but epidemiologic studies are underway to understand if it is because of Omicron or other factors.

The Severity Of Disease

It is not yet clear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease compared to infections with other variants, including Delta.  Preliminary data suggests that there are increasing rates of hospitalization in South Africa, but this may be due to increasing overall numbers of people becoming infected, rather than a result of a specific infection with Omicron.  There is currently no information to suggest that symptoms associated with Omicron are different from those from other variants.  Initially reported infections were among university students, younger individuals who tend to have a more mild disease but understanding the level of severity of the Omicron variant will take days to several weeks.  All variants of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, in particular for the most vulnerable people, and thus prevention is always key.

Sources: TikTok drchampz, World Health Organization.

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

Toshiba Turns 95 with a Giant Fridge, Big Vibes & A Spot in the Malaysia Book of Records

Who says anniversaries are just cake and candles? For Toshiba’s 95th Anniversary Dealer Convention, it… Read More

4 hours ago

Resorts World Sentosa’s Singapore Oceanarium Introduces New Experiences As Ticket Sales Go Live

Resorts World Sentosa (RWS, 圣淘沙名胜世界) has announced that ticket sales have launched for Singapore Oceanarium… Read More

5 hours ago

Barista Brews at Prices You Won’t Believe Exist

Think handcrafted coffee always comes with a hefty price tag? Think again. Across Malaysia, cafés… Read More

5 hours ago

POCO Introduces POCO F7: Where Futuristic Design Meets Exceptional Power

POCO, a leading technology brand among young tech enthusiasts, today unveiled POCO F7, setting a… Read More

5 hours ago

Proton Owners Hit the Road for Wellness: AG Autoworld x Herbal Farmer Flag Off First-Ever Fun Drive in Johor

What do you get when you mix wellness, good vibes, and 30 Proton cars? A… Read More

5 hours ago

OMSMC Earns Spot in Newsweek’s Global Hospital Rating 2025

Oriental Melaka Straits Medical Centre (OMSMC) has been listed in Newsweek’s Global Hospital Rating 2025,… Read More

9 hours ago

This website uses cookies.