Omicron carries “very high” global risk, but limited data on severity

GENEVA (Reuters) – Omicron coronavirus variant, reported in more than 60 countries, carries a “very high” global risk, with some evidence preventing vaccine protection, but clinical data on its severity are limited, according to the World Health Organization.

High uncertainty surrounds Omicron, which was first detected last month in South Africa and Hong Kong, whose mutations could lead to greater transmissibility and more cases of COVID-19 disease, the WHO said in a technical summary issued on Sunday.

“The overall risk associated with the new variant of Omicron concern remains very high for a number of reasons,” he said, reiterating his initial assessment on 29 November.

“And secondly, preliminary evidence suggests a humoral immune escape against infection and high transmission rates, which could lead to further increases with serious consequences,” the WHO said, citing the virus’s potential to prevent antibodies to immune immunity.

The WHO cited some early evidence that the number of people re-infected with the virus has increased in South Africa.

Although preliminary findings in South Africa suggest that the Omicron Delta may be more severe than the Omicron Delta variant, which is currently prevalent worldwide, and all cases reported in the European region are mild or symptomatic, it is unclear how ominous the virus may be. he said.

“More data is needed to understand the severity profile,” he said. “Even if the severity is lower than that of the Delta variant, it is expected that hospitalizations will take place

increase due to increased transmission. More hospitalizations could put a strain on the health care system

and it will bring more death. ”

More information was expected in the coming weeks, he added, highlighting the time lag between infections and outcomes.