[Geneva / Johannesburg, 26th Reuters]–The World Health Organization (WHO) held an independent expert meeting on the 26th to introduce a new mutant strain of the new coronavirus “B.1.1.259” detected in South Africa. It was designated as a “Mutant Virus of Concern (VOC)”. “Epidemiologically harmful changes” were noted, and the infection could spread more rapidly than other mutant strains.
The VOC designation is the 5th. Assigned the Greek letter “Omicron”.
In a statement released after the meeting, WHO noted that the infection had spread rapidly in South Africa over the past few weeks, at the same time as the detection of the Omicron strain. “There are many mutations in this mutant strain, some of which are of concern,” and preliminary verification suggests that the risk of infection with the Omicron strain may be higher than with other VOCs. I said there was.
“This mutant has been detected at a faster pace than previous outbreaks, suggesting that it may have beneficial properties for growth.”
WHO says that the PCR tests currently in use can also detect omicron strains.
WHO spokesman Lindmeier said in a press conference in Geneva that it would take several weeks to get information about the infectivity of the Omicron strain and the effectiveness of the vaccine. He said he would like to be cautious about the introduction of travel restrictions at this time, and “calls for a risk-based scientific approach when introducing travel measures.”
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