What we know and don't know about #Omicron (B 1.1.529)
1/ Reported in S. Africa Nov 24 from a sample from Nov 9. So it has been around for at least 3 weeks, possibly longer.
2/ Classified as Variant of Concern (VOC) on Nov 26
3/ Several mutations on the spike protein
1/ Reported in S. Africa Nov 24 from a sample from Nov 9. So it has been around for at least 3 weeks, possibly longer.
2/ Classified as Variant of Concern (VOC) on Nov 26
3/ Several mutations on the spike protein
4/ As of Nov 27, found in many other countries including Belgium, Botswana, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, UK.
Seems widespread already.
Seems widespread already.
5/ Why is it Omicron a variant of concern ?
First, it has spread rapidly in S. Africa, replacing Delta entirely in some areas. This ability to replace delta is striking because other variants have not been able to do that.
First, it has spread rapidly in S. Africa, replacing Delta entirely in some areas. This ability to replace delta is striking because other variants have not been able to do that.
https://twitter.com/drtomfrieden/status/1464955478480461827
Second, the large number of mutations, esp mutations on the spike protein raise concerns that it may evade immunity from vaccination or prior infection and that therapies like monoclonal antibodies may not work.
6/ What we know so far about Omicron infections in South Africa?
-Almost all infections are in unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated
-Most infections are in persons in 20’s and 30’s
-No difference in the symptoms/ presentation so far
-Almost all infections are in unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated
-Most infections are in persons in 20’s and 30’s
-No difference in the symptoms/ presentation so far
7/ What does this mean for travel?
-Travel bans instituted by US, UK, EU for travelers from several countries
-More stringent requirements pre/post arrival (see below, for India)
-Check before you travel - be prepared for changes at very short notice
mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Guidelines…
-Travel bans instituted by US, UK, EU for travelers from several countries
-More stringent requirements pre/post arrival (see below, for India)
-Check before you travel - be prepared for changes at very short notice
mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Guidelines…
9/What can help reduce the impact of Omicron?
Individual level
•Vaccination
•Masking
•Testing
Individual level
•Vaccination
•Masking
•Testing
10/ Global
•Improved vaccination rates around the world ASAP.
•More sequencing
•Although mRNA vaccines can be quickly modified to counter Omicron, half the world does not have access even to today's vaccines.
No one is safe until we are all safe
•Improved vaccination rates around the world ASAP.
•More sequencing
•Although mRNA vaccines can be quickly modified to counter Omicron, half the world does not have access even to today's vaccines.
No one is safe until we are all safe
11/Testing
Current PCR tests continue to detect #Omicron
One of the 3 target genes is not detected on PCR (called S gene dropout). This feature can be used as a marker for this variant, pending confirmation by sequencing
Not yet known whether rapid tests will pick up Omicron
Current PCR tests continue to detect #Omicron
One of the 3 target genes is not detected on PCR (called S gene dropout). This feature can be used as a marker for this variant, pending confirmation by sequencing
Not yet known whether rapid tests will pick up Omicron
Update 1. Which countries have reported #OmicronVariant — the list keeps growing. nytimes.com/interactive/20… @carlzimmer
Update 2. Rapid tests will likely detect #OmicronVariant @michaelmina_lab
https://twitter.com/michaelmina_lab/status/1464366286130012167
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