Follow us for updates
© 2022 reportr.world
Read the Story →

'Stealth Omicron' Found in 57 Countries, WHO Says

It's more contagious than the original version.
by Agence France Presse
Feb 2, 2022
Photo/s: Jerome Ascano
Shares

GENEVA -- A sub-variant of the highly contagious omicron coronavirus variant, which some studies indicate could be even more infectious than the original version, has been detected in 57 countries, the WHO said Tuesday.

The fast-spreading and heavily mutated omicron variant has rapidly become the dominant variant worldwide since it was first detected in southern Africa 10 weeks ago.

READ: 'Stealth Omicron' is Detected in the Philippines, Here's What We Know So Far

In its weekly epidemiological update, the World Health Organization said that the variant, which accounts for over 93% of all coronavirus specimens collected in the past month, counts several sub-lineages: BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2 and BA.3.

The BA.1 and BA.1.1 -- the first versions identified -- still account for over 96% of all the omicron sequences uploaded to the GISAID global science initiative, it said.

But there has been a clear rise in cases involving BA.2  -- also called "stealth omicron" --which counts several different mutations from the original, including on the spike protein that dots the virus's surface and is key to entering human cells.

Continue reading below ↓

"BA.2- designated sequences have been submitted to GISAID from 57 countries to date," WHO said, adding that in some countries, the sub-variant now accounted for over half of all omicron sequences gathered.

The UN health agency said little was known yet about the differences between the sub-variants, and called for studies into its characteristics, including its transmissibility, how good it is at dodging immune protections and its virulence.

Several recent studies have hinted that BA.2 is more infectious than the original omicron.

Maria Van Kerkhove, one of the WHO's top experts on COVID-19, told reporters Tuesday that information about the sub-variant was very limited, but that some inital data indicated BA.2 had "a slight increase in growth rate over BA.1" 

Omicron in general is known to cause less severe disease than previous coronavirus variants that have wreaked havoc, like delta, and Van Kerkhove said there so far was "no indication that there is a change in severity" in the BA.2 sub-variant.

Continue reading below ↓
Recommended Videos

She stressed though that regardless of the variant, COVID-19 remained a dangerous disease and people should strive to avoid catching it.

"We need people to be aware that this virus is continuing to circulate and its continuing to evolve," she said.

"It's really important that we take measures to reduce our exposure to this virus, whichever variant is circulating."

MORE NEWS YOU CAN USE:

How to Take Care of a COVID Patient at Home and Avoid Getting Sick

Shortened Isolation, Quarantine for COVID-Positive, Close Contacts 

Sick With COVID at Home? Take Care of Your Mental Health With These Tips

Reportr is now on Quento. Download the app or visit the Quento website for more articles and videos from Reportr and your favorite websites.

Latest Headlines
Read Next
Recent News
Some relief from rising prices.
With the reopening of several local destinations, this app has never been more timely.
Landmark Roe vs Wade ruling of 1973 is overturned.
Its rise mirrors the rise of technology for the masses.
It cites global uncertainties for its move.
The news. So what? Subscribe to the newsletter that explains what the news means for you.
The email address you entered is invalid.
Thank you for signing up to On Three, reportr's weekly newsletter delivered to your mailbox three times a week. Only the latest, most useful and most insightful reads.
By signing up to reportr.world newsletter, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.