In recent weeks they have revealed the new variant of the Covid-19 virus, the omicron. The WHO (World Health Organization) was responsible for giving this name to the variant B.1.1.529. In relation to the other variants, this one causes a little more concern.
This happens because the variant showed a high capacity in its mutation rate. And according to the WHO, this is the point that classifies it as a global risk. However, the agency has not yet been able to measure the dangers represented.
Therefore, the most aggravating reason in the omicron is that its ability to mutate manages, somehow, to become immune to the vaccines applied in the last years in mass in the population. Follow the content below to learn more about it.
When was the Omicron variant identified by experts?
the variant omicron it was reported to WHO on November 24, 2021, by South Africa. However, on November 30, Dutch health authorities said that the variant had already been in the country since November 19.
That is, the variant of the coronavirus was already circulating in Europe before the alert made by South Africa. The first confirmed case is from a sample collected on November 9, 2021, from South Africa itself.
In Brazil, the first cases of omicron appeared on the 30th of November. The variant was identified in two passengers who entered the country in São Paulo by plane after passing through the African continent. Both had no vaccination history.
Omicron variant is already present on all continents
Currently, there are already cases of the variant omicron on all continents of the planet. In the case, Canada became the first country in North America to confirm the infection. Despite this, there are still no records of death linked to this new strain.
In the published list of countries with cases of the variant are: South Africa, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Botswana, Canada, South Korea, Denmark, Spain, USA, Ghana, Honda, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, and Japan.
In the list of countries with omicron present, Nigeria, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, and Sweden are also included. Therefore, the list is quite large, with a total of 25 countries so far.
What is different about this variant that makes it worrying?
the variant omicron has, so far, 50 mutations registered where, in more than thirty of them, corresponds to the “spike” protein. This protein resembles something like a “key” that Covid-19 uses to enter human cells.
The problem is that it is precisely this virus protein that was used in most Corona vaccines. That is, the changes in this specific protein make it dangerous, as immunizers can suffer from drops in effectiveness.
Therefore, the main point to find out is whether the variant omicron it is able to show increased transmission and also be able to bypass some parts of our immune system that have already been primed with vaccines.
What do we know and what don't we know about this variant so far?
the variant omicron is already being closely monitored by various competent bodies around the world. Even testing of specialized vaccines is already underway. Below are the main points on the subject:
- There is evidence that the Omicron variant facilitates reinfection;
- Measures such as wearing masks, distancing, hygiene and ventilated environments work against the variant;
- All continents already register cases;
- So far, there is no record of deaths from the new strain;
- It is a variant that has a large number of mutations;
- New vaccines are being developed;
- It is not yet known whether it is more transmissible than the others;
- It is also not known whether it causes more severe symptoms and deaths;
- And finally, it is also not known whether it presents resistance to current vaccines;
Due to the variant omicron being in the process of analysis, it is important to pay attention to all the news that are released in relation to this subject. As well as ways to prevent yourself against this virus.
People who have been diagnosed have their symptoms reported as “mild” compared to Covid-19. However, weeks of studies will still be needed to correctly track the symptoms and behavior of this variation of the virus.
It is noteworthy that the largest number of cases of the variant omicron so far it is in South Africa (77), a country suffering from low vaccination numbers. There are 14.2 million people with the complete vaccine schedule, that is, only 24% of the inhabitants.
Download the “Coronavirus – SUS” app and stay informed
It is important to keep yourself correctly informed about the omicron, not to fall for fake news. Therefore, we recommend using official channels. If you would like to know more tips about apps for your phone, visit our Apps!
To the to go down In the “Coronavirus – SUS” app, users have access to official news from the Brazilian Ministry of Health. In addition, he also informs you on how to identify symptoms, as well as adopt preventive measures correctly.
To download, enter your app store (App Store or Play Store) and in the search field, type the name of the app. When it appears, click the "Install" button. When the process is finished, just click on the app icon and that's it! You already have access.
