WHO’s latest report on Omicron variant

Subject – Science and Tech

Context – WHO has presented an update on the current situation on Omicron

Concept –

WHO said that given the predominant circulation of the Delta variant in many countries, it is too early to draw a conclusion on the impact of the new Omicron variant on the global epidemiology of Covid-19.
At the same time, WHO has also presented an update on the current situation on four key issues on Omicron — transmissibility, clinical severity, risk of reinfection and the potential impact of the vaccines.
WHO said that at present, while “there seems to be evidence that the Omicron may have a growth advantage over other circulating variants, it is unknown whether this will translate into increased transmissibility”.
WHO underlined that currently only limited data are available on clinical severity making it “challenging to assess any changes in disease severity with the Omicron variant”.
WHO said that initial modelling studies from South Africa have found an increased risk of re-infection, adding, this information only offers an initial assessment of the risk of re-infection.
WHO reiterated that Interleukin-6 Receptor Blockers and corticosteroids are expected to continue to be effective in the management of patients with severe diseases.