The Omicron variant that is linked to Covid’s slow growth in South Africa

The Omicron variant is linked to the high rate of coronavirus infection in South Africa compared to previous waves, according to a preliminary detailed study of the highly modified strains that have brought worldwide warning.

“An analysis of what is happening in South Africa shows that, unlike Beta and Delta. [variants], the Omicron version of Sars-Cov-2 provides ample evidence of a growing number of people who are immune to the virus, “South African epidemics experts concluded in a study published late Thursday.

The recent rebirth “was in line with the time when the Omicron species emerged in South Africa”, he added.

This study did not look at Omicron’s effects on immunosuppressive immunity or to evaluate whether returning patients were seriously ill.

The findings The National Institute for Communicable Diseases in South Africa, a health organization, is warning health professionals around the world who have been monitoring the number of cases related to Omicron, for fear that its strange formations could allow it to protect the immune system. or vaccination.

Based on a follow-up test conducted until November 27, the study – which was not reviewed by peers – looked at people who had been infected with the virus three months ago. It compared the risk of re-infection during the first phase of the epidemic with the following waves of various types.

Although Beta or Delta waves were not associated with an increased risk of recurrence, Omicron’s recurrence risk was 2.4 times higher, scientists concluded. Getting a previous infection was estimated to reduce the risk of infection by 80 percent.

“The Omicron’s preferred option is partially driven by the potential for further transmission of HIV-infected people,” he added.

South Africa, which showed a jump in the Omicron crisis that was first detected last month, confirmed more than 11,500 cases on Thursday, with more than one in five tests coming back with the virus. This is a significant increase from the hundreds of daily illnesses that were reported in the last few weeks.

The operation has worried scientists because South Africa believes it has high risks for past illnesses from previous waves. But South Africa has the lowest number of vaccines, and nearly a quarter of the population has a serious problem after a slowdown in laziness in recent months.

“Important questions remain as to whether Omicron can also escape the effects of the vaccine and the potential for immunosuppression in preventing serious illness and death,” the study said.

Hospitals have begun to rise in the Gauteng province, in the midst of the epidemic. About 788 people were hospitalized for one week until November 28, which is more than the number recorded last week.

The World Health Organization, which called Omicron a “concern” over the weekend, said it could take two weeks to understand the effects of the vaccine.

As countries around the world enact travel bans to travel to and from southern Africa in an effort to curb the spread of Omicron, new cases have been found in many countries.

Additional reports of John Burn-Murdoch in London