New Covid variant “Omicron” brings new worries, challenges and threats

New Covid variant “Omicron” brings new worries, challenges and threats

Origin of corona

The very first infection was discovered in Wuhan, China. In the beginning many of the infectees were the workers from the market.  Various names have been given to Corona Virus in its early levels such as “Wuhan Virus” and “The Corona Virus”. After its outbreak Corona Virus has caused Chaos all over the world. And at the end of April 2020 half million of world population was under some sort of lockdown in order to prevent the spreading of Corona Virus. Research also showed that lock downs were very effective in reducing this disease.

Origin of corona 

After its outbreak Corona Virus has caused Chaos all over the world. And at the end of April 2020 half million of world population was under some sort of lockdown in order to prevent the spreading of Corona Virus. Research also showed that lock downs were very effective in reducing this disease. A new and more alarming coronavirus variant has been identified and named as Omicron. This variant has created panic and serious concerns and as a result brings new challenges with it.

 

Omicron's genetic profile has raised more concerns as it is a rapidly evolving situation , but due to the dearth of actual data nobody knows the actual picture of what can this new variant do or what possible damage it can give.  WHO referred to this as a “variant of concern”. Multiple studies are underway to clearly observe the new variant. The discovery of this new variant has raised a lot of questions and fears as well because we know very little about it. Scientists are researching to find out the effects that can be caused due to Omicron, whether it is more riskier or contagious than previous Covid variants, damage that it can cause to humans, and its effects on vaccine efficacy.

Origin of Omicron

The World Health Organization (WHO) has addressed the new coronavirus variant, B.1.1.529, as a variant of concern, and named it Omicron. This Covid-19 variant emerged in South Africa. Omicron that was first detected in Botswana sent Europe and worldwide high alert after cases were detected in United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Belgium, Italy and Germany.

Challenges and threats

Scientists are trying to find out whether this variant is more transmissible than delta or not and how much damage or disease it can cause as compared to other variants. But generally Omicron has mutations that help it to spread more rapidly and there is evidence by seeing cases that are being detected in South Africa and other countries as well. This newly found variant also has mutations that can make vaccines less effective and according to the report made by WHO this variant has higher risk of reinfection than previous variants. But still we don’t know whether it is milder or severe. We still need to know what damage it can cause or whether what would happen when it will come up against wall of immunity that is build up by vaccines and boosters. New Covid variant brings new challenges with it. Right now there is a higher chance that there would be a ban in entry of travelers from countries that have reported cases of the Omicron variant or are considered high-risk countries.

Omicron Symptoms

According to South African doctor corona symptoms linked to this new variant have been described as extremely mild. But still it will take weeks to get to know about the clearer picture and to understand that how this newly found variant affects vaccine as this initial observation is based on very small number of Covid cases. The alarming news is that Due to its large number of mutations omicron has an increased risk of reinfection.  According to the data collected from South Africa it shows that this variant is spreading more quickly than the previous variants. Regardless of such observations it will still take some time to fully understand about the specific symptoms that are related to omicron. But still the symptoms list from CDC includes fever, coughing, fatigue, shortness of breath, runny nose, nausea, and diarrhea.