Danish health authorities have just confirmed that two people in Denmark have been infected with the new variant of the coronavirus called the Omikron variant. The two travelers returned to Denmark yesterday, Saturday, from South Africa, the origin of the new variant.
The Omicron variant was first detected in South Africa on November 24th and has since spread to several other countries. According to the South African National Board of Health, 22 cases of the new variant have been recorded in South Africa, and in Europe, cases have been reported in Belgium, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark. But what do we know so far about Omicron?
The new variant contains 35 protein mutations, and this may mean that vaccines may not be effective with some mutations.
What are the symptoms?
Although it is still difficult to say much about the new variant, initial experiences with the mutation indicate that the symptoms experienced by patients were mild compared to patients infected with the virus and its other variants, according to a statement by Angelique Coetzee, a doctor at a hospital in the capital and president of the South African Medical Association, to British media.
According to Angelique Coetzee, those infected mostly complained of “body aches and extreme fatigue,” but none required hospitalization, and most of their symptoms subsided after a few days. However, the South African doctor confirmed to the BBC that they do not yet have a complete picture of how the disease progresses with Omicron; for example, there is concern about the extent to which older, unvaccinated people are affected.
How is the new variant classified?
On Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified Omikron as a VOC – a variant of concern.
Because it contains a large number of mutations, some of which are worrying, and in addition, preliminary evidence suggests that there is an increased risk of contracting the variant multiple times.
Source: TV2
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