Scientists in South Africa are scrambling to combat the new COVID-19 variant omicron's lightning spread across the country. The country’s case numbers are still relatively low, but omicron’s speed in infecting young people has alarmed health professionals.
In the space of two weeks, the omicron variant has sent South Africa from a period of low transmission to rapid growth of new confirmed cases. The country’s numbers are still relatively low, with 2,828 new confirmed cases recorded Friday, but omicron’s speed in infecting young South Africans has alarmed health professionals.
“We know we have a new variant,” said Mathivha. “The worst case scenario is that it hits us like delta ... we need to have critical care beds ready.” The new variant has a high number of mutations that appear to make it more transmissible and help it evade immune responses. The World Health Organization looked at the data on Friday and named the variant omicron, under its system of using Greek letters, calling it a highly transmissible variant of concern.
A key factor is vaccination. The new variant appears to be spreading most quickly among those who are unvaccinated. Currently, only about 40% of adult South Africans are vaccinated, and the number is much lower among those in the 20 to 40-year-old age group.
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
Dutch Authorities Isolate 61 Covid-19 Cases Among Travelers From South AfricaOne in 10 passengers aboard two flights that landed in the Netherlands from South Africa on Friday tested positive for Covid-19. Health authorities said they would research whether the results showed the Omicron variant.
Baca lebih lajut »
Explainer: What we know about the COVID-19 variant detected in South AfricaGlobal authorities have reacted with alarm to a coronavirus variant detected in South Africa, with the EU, Britain and India among those announcing stricter border controls as scientists seek to determine if the mutation is vaccine-resistant.
Baca lebih lajut »
Britain alarmed by new COVID-19 variant spreading in South AfricaBritain on Thursday said it was concerned by a newly identified coronavirus variant spreading in South Africa that might make vaccines less effective and imperil efforts to fight the pandemic.
Baca lebih lajut »
Explainer: What we know about the new COVID-19 variant detected in South AfricaAuthorities around the world have reacted with alarm to a new coronavirus variant detected in South Africa.
Baca lebih lajut »
Dow sinks more than 900 points on concerns over South Africa COVID-19 variantThe Dow Jones Industrial Average sunk more than 900 points Friday over concerns of a new COVID-19 variant detected in South Africa.
Baca lebih lajut »