NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Supreme Court Of India
    Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI)
    Indian Army
    Indian Railways
    Indian Air Force
    NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout


    India Business World Politics Sports Technology Entertainment Auto Lifestyle Inspirational Career Bengaluru Delhi Mumbai Visual Stories Find Cricket Statistics Phones Reviews Fitness Bands Reviews Speakers Reviews

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
     
    Home / News / India News / COVID-19 third wave: WHO official issues warning on Omicron impact
    India

    COVID-19 third wave: WHO official issues warning on Omicron impact

    COVID-19 third wave: WHO official issues warning on Omicron impact
    Written by Pratyush Deep Kotoky
    Dec 12, 2021, 01:24 pm 3 min read
    COVID-19 third wave: WHO official issues warning on Omicron impact
    Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh warned against letting guards down as the "COVID-19 pandemic is still around."

    Although COVID-19 cases are declining worldwide, the risk remains high in view of the emergence of the new coronavirus variant called Omicron, said World Health Organization's (WHO) South-Asia Regional Director Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh. Speaking to NDTV, Dr. Singh warned against letting guards down as the "pandemic is still around" and called for faster vaccinations.

    Why does this story matter?

    India has so far reported 35 cases Omicron, which has been classified as a "variant of concern" (VOC) by the WHO. Omicron is the most heavily mutated strain of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 detected so far. It is feared to be more transmissible, even though the symptoms appear to be mild. However, studies on its transmissibility, severity, and other characteristics are still ongoing.

    'Omicron could have a major impact'

    The global spread of the Omicron variant suggests it could have a major impact "in the course of the pandemic," Dr. Singh said. However, it is still difficult to know the exact impact of Omicron, she maintained. The WHO has called on countries to submit more data to ascertain Omicron's transmissibility, severity, and reinfection rate, she said.

    'Data suggests increasing reinfection risk'

    The emerging data from South Africa, where the variant was first detected, suggests an increased risk of reinfection, she said. Some evidence also suggests that Omicron causes a milder disease than the Delta variant, she said. However, she maintained that more data and studies are required to draw a firm conclusion. Existing RT-PCR and antigen-based rapid tests work against Omicron, she added.

    What were Dr. Singh's recommendations?

    Upon being asked what countries need to do to better handle the coronavirus variant, Dr. Singh said enhanced surveillance and genome sequencing efforts are required. "They (countries) should submit genome sequencing and associated metadata to a publicly available database," she added. She further stressed the need to report initial cases and clusters of Omicron cases to the WHO.

    'Preliminary evidence suggest higher transmissibility'

    Preliminary investigation on Omicron suggests higher transmissibility, she said. Even if severity remains unchanged, the increase in cases alone may pose overwhelming demand for healthcare facilities. This may lead to "increased morbidity and mortality," she added.

    Do vaccines work against Omicron?

    On the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines against Omicron, Dr. Singh said all vaccines that are currently in use "offer protection against severe disease and death." "Efforts should be intensified to accelerate COVID-19 vaccination coverage in all eligible population." Those who are unvaccinated or partly vaccinated should be prioritized, she said. "These include healthcare workers, older adults, and those with underlying (health) conditions."

    'Vaccines only reduces the chance of infection'

    Explaining why many vaccinated people are getting infected with Omicron, Dr. Singh said, "Although vaccines reduce your chance of getting infected, they don't completely prevent. This is true for all vaccines." Studies are ongoing if Omicron impacts the effectiveness of vaccines, she added.

    What did she say on booster jabs?

    Dr. Singh said the WHO's stand on booster jab is what the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization had recommended in October. The SAGE had recommended that booster jabs should only be allowed to those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. "More data is needed to make a recommendation on the use of booster jabs for general people," she added.

    Decide on vaccinating children: Dr. Singh

    "Countries should consider the individual and population benefit of immunizing children and adolescents in their specific epidemiological and social context when developing the COVID-19 immunization policies or programs," Dr. Singh said on vaccinating children.

    Share this timeline
    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Latest
    World Health Organization
    COVID-19
    COVID-19 Variant
    Omicron variant

    Latest

    India vs Australia: How Cheteshwar Pujara fares against Nathan Lyon Cheteshwar Pujara
    Dell to fire over 6,600 employees as PC sales nosedive Dell
    IIT Madras-ISRO collaborate to work on India's astronaut training program IIT Madras
    SpaceX to attempt Starship's first orbital test flight in March SpaceX

    World Health Organization

    Cough syrup deaths: WHO urges countries to take immediate action Gambia
    Woman dies after quack conducts illegal abortion in Bihar's Hajipur  Bihar
    Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5: What do we know so far COVID-19
    WHO recommends against using India-made cough syrups after Uzbekistan deaths Uzbekistan

    COVID-19

    US to ease visa backlog for Indians, opens overseas embassies H-1B Visa
    Kerala: Man gets 3 life-terms for raping, impregnating minor daughter Kerala
    Amid global slowdown predictions, IMF calls India 'bright spot' International Monetary Fund
    India's 1st nasal COVID-19 vaccine by Bharat Biotech launched Vaccine

    COVID-19 Variant

    No concerning trends caused by new Omicron subvariants: Experts COVID-19
    COVID-19: India logs 1,150 new cases, 83 more deaths Union Health Ministry
    BA.2 strain not more severe than original Omicron: WHO World Health Organization
    Omicron: India reports 38 cases from 6 states, 2 UTs COVID-19

    Omicron variant

    COVID-19: WHO urges travelers to mask up amid XBB.1.5 spread World Health Organization
    China slams 'distorted' Western reports on COVID-19 response, eases restrictions China
    COVID-19: Mock drills across India to test preparedness; more updates COVID-19
    China: Hospitals struggle amid COVID-19 surge, refusing to admit patients China

    Love India News?

    Subscribe to stay updated.

    India Thumbnail
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2023