A sub-variant of a fast-spreading and highly mutated strain of the coronavirus, Omicron, has now been identified in as many as 57 countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Tuesday. A key reason for concern is that some studies have suggested that this Omicron sub-variant may be more contagious than the original version, which quickly became the dominant global variant in just 10 weeks after it was first detected in southern Africa.

In its most recent weekly epidemiology update, WHO explained that Omicron, which accounted for more than 93% of all coronavirus specimens collected in the past month, had several sublineages: BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2 and BA.3.

BA.1 and BA.1.1 were the first discovered Omicron sub-variants and still account for more than 96% of all Omicron sequences uploaded to the GISAID Global Science Program. Since then, however, there has been a marked increase in cases involving the BA.2 sub-variant, which counts several different mutations from the original mutation—including one on the spike protein on the surface of the virus, which is a The key to entering human cells.

“To date, 57 countries have submitted BA.2-designated sequences to GISAID,” WHO said, adding that in some countries the subvariant now accounts for more than half of all Omicron sequences collected.

WHO acknowledges that little is currently known about the complete extent of the differences between all subvariants; however, detailed studies could reveal their characteristics – including transmissibility, immune evasion and virulence.

One of the World Health Organization’s top experts on Covid-19, Maria Van Kerkhove, told reporters yesterday that there was very limited information on the sub-variant, but some preliminary data suggested that the growth rate of BA.2 was “slightly higher than that of BA.1”.

Several recent studies suggest that BA.2 is more contagious than the original Omicron.

In general, Omicron is known to cause less severe disease than previous coronavirus variants such as Delta that wreaked havoc. So far, Van Kerkhove said, “there is no indication that the severity of the BA.2 subvariant has changed.”

However, she stressed that despite the strain, Covid-19 is still a dangerous disease and people should work hard to avoid contracting it.

“We need people to realize that this virus is continuing to spread and it is continuing to evolve,” she said. “Whatever variant is spreading, it’s very important that we take steps to reduce exposure to this virus.”

Complete News Source : Hindustan Times