WHO names new African strain Omicron Concern Variant

The World Health Organization (WHO) named the new variant of SARS-CoV-2 identified on the African continent as Omicron and classified the strain as a Variant of Concern. According to the entity, the decision was taken on account of the large number of mutations presented by the variant, some of which have “worrying characteristics”.

“Right now, there are many studies in progress and a lot of work is being done in South Africa and other countries to better characterize the variant in terms of transmissibility, severity and any type of impact on combat measures, such as the use of diagnostic kits , therapies and vaccines,” said WHO's technical leader in response to covid-19, Maria Van Kerkhove.

The classification of Concern Variant, according to the entity, requires important actions by governments, such as the sharing of genome sequences; reporting cases and mutations; and conducting field investigations and laboratory analyzes to better understand the impacts, epidemiology, severity, and effectiveness of public health measures.

"This new Omicron Concern Variant underscores the need to accelerate vaccine equity and to immunize against covid-19 health professionals, the elderly and others at risk and who have not yet received the first and second doses", highlighted and WHO , through your Twitter account.

Text translated using artificial intelligence.