The new dangerous strain of the coronavirus has been named omicron. Here's what we know about him

November 26 World Health Organization reported on the identification of a new strain of coronavirus named B.1.1.529. Later it was renamed omicron, after the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet. According to preliminary data, this variant has a large number of mutations, which can make it much more dangerous than the "delta".

Here is what is now known about the "omicron":

• This strain was first detected in South Africa in a sample taken on November 9, 2021. It was added to the database on November 11.
• The strain is already being found in almost all provinces in South Africa, as well as in Botswana, Israel and Hong Kong.
• This option It has more than 30 spike protein mutations, with the help of which the coronavirus enters human cells. Some of these mutations are of particular concern to WHO.
• Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of re-infection with omicron compared to other strains.
• Director of the South African Epidemic Control Center virologist Tulio de Oliveira statedthat we are actually talking about the evolutionary leap of the coronavirus.
instagram viewer
• Current PCR diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2 still detect this strain.
• By words Director of the Institute of Genetics, University College London, François Ballot, a new strain could be formed in the body of a person with a weakened immune system (possibly an HIV / AIDS patient who has not received due treatment).
• A number of studies are currently underway to assess the hazard of this option. WHO will report new findings as needed.
• European Commission recommended EU countries to suspend flights with South African countries to prevent the threat of proliferation of B.1.1.529.
• Some countries have already begun to restrict flights, but on November 27 it became known about the possible penetration of a new strain into Germany and the Czech Republic. Suspicions of the "omicron" were revealed among tourists who arrived from South Africa.
• In Russia, a new strain of coronavirus has not been detected. About this TASS reported Kamil Khafizov, head of the scientific group for the development of new methods for diagnosing human diseases at the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor.
• Russian vaccines now checked on effectiveness against omicron.