Reuters: WHO experts have recognized a new strain of COVID-19 B.1.1.529 “omicron” as a threat to the world by the Greek letter omicron. This is reported by Reuters.
According to experts, a new type of coronavirus can threaten countries that will already be fighting its spread. The WHO also believes that the B.1.1.529 virus, after a series of mutations, may affect the protein content in the body, and with such a change, the current vaccines may not be as effective.
The WHO also suggested that the omicron variant is spreading faster than its predecessors, as evidenced by the experience of South Africa, so it can affect more people in the world, including those who have recovered from other strains. The organization called on all countries to pay more attention to the study of the new version of the coronavirus.
The first reports of infection with a new strain in South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong appeared on November 24. Later, news about the discovery of another variant of the evolution of COVID-19 appeared in Israel and Belgium. WHO experts have included this strain in the group of options of concern.