Based on the advice from the organization’s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution, The Omicron Variant was declared a variant of concern by WHO on the November 26th 2021 and given its name. It is highly mutated, with up to 32 mutations in the spike (S) protein, possibly associated with humoral immune escape potential and higher transmissibility. Until December 22nd 2021, the Omicron variant had been identified in 110 countries.
In order to give public advice, there are four key things to consider: 1) transmissibility; 2) effectiveness of vaccines and previous infections against infection, transmission, clinical disease, and death; 3) comparative virulent; 4) reaction of th e public (including public health and social measures).
There are a few symptoms to help diagnose, though it is still not the safest to self-diagnose. Most of them resemble the common cold. Poehling, a member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices emphasized on the following symptoms: coughing, fatigue, congestion, and runny nose. This differs from the dramatic reactions of previous variants.
The accuracy of diagnosing using PCR and rapid antigen tests seem to not be impacted by the new variant, and the degree of the certainty for both tests appears to be consistent. Although minor groups lack this deletion, SGTF (S gene target failure) can be used as a proxy marker to identify Omicron as the specific variant. Studies have suggested that some monoclonal antibodies against COVID-19 may have decreased neutralization for the Omicron variant. It seems as though the Omicron is more dangerous in its transmissibility rather than severity of symptoms.
All in all, the risk for the Omicron variant remains high for the following reasons: 1) the global risk of the pandemic remains very high; 2) currently, the Omicron variant has significant growth advantage in comparison to Delta, rapidly spreading in the community. The high infection rates will continue to later cause an increase in hospitalizations, and will burden health systems affected by the Omicron variant. More research is taking place to enhance understanding, as more information becomes available when risk assessments are updated. ___ Name: Erin Zhang
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