The Omicron (Nu) variant, described by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “worrying”, continues to be seen in many countries so far. As the coronavirus pandemic approaches its second year, the new variant announced by the World Health Organization is causing concern all over the world. Things to know about the Omicron variant, which has been found to have more than 30 mutations;

It has many mutations

The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated B.1.1.529 as an alarming variant called “Omicron”. WHO announced that variant B.1.1.529 was first reported on 24 November 2021 from South Africa. A sharp increase in infections has been observed in recent weeks, coinciding with the detection of the B.1.1.529 variant. The first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was detected in a sample collected on November 9, 2021.
This variant has an alarmingly large number of mutations. Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of re-infection with this variant compared to other variants of concern. It was determined that the number of cases of this variant increased in almost all cities in South Africa. The SARS-CoV-2 PCR test method, which is still used, can also detect this variant.

Mask, distance, hygiene are important

It is desirable to continue surveillance and sequencing studies to better understand the SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating in the community. These measures also need to continue to reduce the risks of COVID-19, including proven public health and social measures such as wearing masks, observing hand hygiene and physical distancing, ventilating indoor spaces, avoiding crowded places, and getting vaccinated.