The Omicron coronavirus variant has been reported in 89 countries and the number of cases is doubling in 1.5 to 3 days in areas with community transmission, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Saturday.
Omicron is spreading rapidly in countries with high levels of population immunity, but it is unclear if this is due to the virus' ability to evade immunity, its inherent increased transmissibility or a combination of both, the WHO said in an update.
The agency designated Omicron a variant of concern on Nov. 26, soon after it was first detected, and much is still not known about it, including the severity of the illness it causes."There are still limited data on the clinical severity of Omicron," the WHO said. "More data are needed to understand the severity profile and how severity is impacted by vaccination and pre-existing immunity.
It added, "There are still limited available data, and no peer-reviewed evidence, on vaccine efficacy or effectiveness to date for Omicron"."Hospitalizations in the UK and South Africa continue to rise, and given rapidly increasing case counts, it is possible that many healthcare systems may become quickly overwhelmed.
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Omicron cases jump in L.A. County as experts warn of rapid spreadOmicron cases jump in L.A. County as experts warns of rapid spread
Weiterlesen »
Fauci says omicron will soon become dominant Covid variant in U.S., urges people to get vaccines and boostersAs omicron spreads, Dr. Anthony Fauci said 'things could get really bad, particularly for the unvaccinated.'
Weiterlesen »
New York City Covid Cases Double in Three Days As Omicron Tightens Its GripThe Omicron variant is making its way through the East Coast — just in time for the holidays. What's that mean for the rest of the country?
Weiterlesen »
Cleveland Clinic says Omicron variant is 'more transmissible' as cases double in a week'We are learning this variant is more transmissible, and we are seeing evidence of this by the increased spread in our community,' the clinic said.
Weiterlesen »
Covid-19: Omicron spreading at lightning speed - French PMRestrictions are being tightened across Europe as countries battle a new wave of Covid-19 infections.
Weiterlesen »