[국제]In South Africa, the number of infections quadrupled in three days… “Contrast with the delta mutation”

[앵커]

In South Africa, where the detection of the new mutant Omicron for COVID-19 was announced to the world, the number of infections is increasing exponentially as Omicron has become the dominant species.

In particular, there are many young people and children infected, and the proportion of severe cases is relatively small, but health experts around the world are paying attention to a completely different pattern from the spread of the delta mutation.

Reporter Kim Hyung-geun on the sidewalk.

[기자]

In South Africa, 16,000 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in one day,

Almost quadrupled compared to three days ago.

It is estimated that about three-quarters of new cases are omicron infections.

It is characterized by a large number of infections among young people, especially children.

In the Tsuwane area of ​​the metropolitan area, 68% of inpatients were under the age of 40.

Specifically, 11% were children under the age of two.

This is in stark contrast to the fact that there were many elderly people over the age of 50 when the delta mutation spread.

[조 팔라 / 남아공 보건장관 : 병원 입원이 주로 14세 이하의 젊은 사람들이 주를 이루고 있는데, 대부분 예방접종을 받지 않은 사람들입니다.]

It is also unusual that the proportion of critically ill patients is lower than at the beginning of the delta mutation spread.

Because of this, there are also rumors that Omicron is more powerful than the delta mutation, but is less lethal.

But experts say it’s too early to jump to conclusions or generalize.

[베리 쇼브 교수 / 남아공 정부 자문위원 : 좋은 징조는 있지만, 아직은 이른 것 같아요. 겨우 일주일 정도밖에 안 됐기 때문에 좀 더 지켜볼 필요가 있다고 생각합니다.]

Experts point out that South Africa’s average age is just 27 years old.

The situation could be different in Europe, the United States, and some countries in East Asia, where there are many older people.

Therefore, he emphasizes the need to stay vigilant and keep an eye on the ongoing virus analysis trend.

This is YTN Kim Hyung-geun.

YTN Kim Hyung-geun (hkkim@ytn.co.kr)

[저작권자(c) YTN & YTN plus 무단전재 및 재배포 금지]