COVID-19: The Omicron Variant
22.12.2021
For about two years now, COVID-19 has plagued the entire world, causing significant changes in the way we live and relate to one another. So far, several medically important strains of the virus, also called variants of concern, have been isolated and identified. Most recently on November 26 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated a new variant of concern, the B.1.1.529. On the advice of WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution (TAG-VE),, this variant was isolated and subsequently named Omicron,. Decisions on whether a variant should be of concern is based on the evidence presented to TAG-VE about the unique behaviour and characteristics of the virus such as transmissibility, mutative tendencies and severity of disease caused.
It was initially unclear whether Omicron is more transmissible than previously identified variants, including the Delta variant. Although South African researchers reported an increase in the number of people testing positive in parts of the country where the Omicron variant was dominant, epidemiological studies were needed to decipher if the increase was attributable to the new variant or as a result of other factors. In addition, the severity of the disease caused by Omicron was not fully understood, even though some data suggested an increase in the rate of hospitalization. The observed increase may not necessarily be due to infection with Omicron, hence, more research has been conducted in different parts of the world, as researchers continue to better understand the unique characteristics of the Omicron variant.
It is important to note that all identified variants of concern are capable of causing severe disease or death, especially in vulnerable people. It is therefore essential to take all the necessary precautions even before more research is available. This may be the reason why the United Kingdom and Canada initiated restrictive travel guidelines and banned several African countries in early December as a measure to curtail the spread of the new variant. However, following some international backlash and in light of more information about the Omicron variant, the ban was lifted and travel regulations relaxed barely a week afterwards. This is because there is currently no evidence to show that symptoms associated with Omicron are more severe compared to those from other variants according to WHO and other international/governmental organizations.
Irrespective of the variant identified, vaccines remain indispensable in reducing severe disease and death. More so, PCR tests continue to be reliable in detecting infection, including infection with Omicron. WHO consistently coordinates with a large number of researchers on various topics around the any variant of concern including viral transmissibility, severity of infection, vaccine effectiveness, diagnostic testing and disease management. WHO encourages countries and hospitals to collect and report patients data as well as to enhance surveillance methods. Additionally, countries must continue implementing effective public health measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
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