South Africa was expecting a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections in December during the height of summer holidays. There were also fears early November elections would contribute to a spike. However, a new variant was far from the nation’s mind when doctors spotted it. Today we share what we know about omicron variant.
What Local Doctors Know About Omicron Variant
Omicron first appeared among a group of university students in Pretoria in Gauteng province. Examinations took place in large, airy halls however the students congregated in large parties afterwards.
Dr. Angelique Coetzee is chair of the South African Medical Association. She noticed seven patients at her clinic with symptoms different from the Delta variant. ‘What brought them to the surgery was this extreme tiredness’ she told Agence France-Presse. They also had mild muscle aches, scratchy throat and dry cough.
Dr. Coetzee alerted health officials because this ‘did not fit Delta’ she explained to Independent News. Signs of loss of smell and taste were also absent. Moreover, the variant affected people who were 40 or younger, and 50% did not have vaccinations.
What We Know About Omicron Variant: The Bigger Picture
Scientists are understandably alarmed by the high number of mutations of the virus spike protein. Because this is the transmission point which vaccines seek to control. However, New York Times confirmed November 30, 2021 there is no evidence Omicron is more dangerous.
There are also early signs Omicron may only cause mild illness, the New York media continues. Although most of South Africa’s cases are young people, who typically have milder symptoms in any case. Many questions still await answers.
Hospitals are coping in South Africa as things stand. Because Omicron patients generally recover at home. Vaccine makers are confident their products will work, but may need minor adaptions. And medications for severe COVID infections are still effective. That’s what we now know about Omicron variant at present, without speculating.
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Preview Image: COVID-19 Cases in South Africa
