There are reports from the U.K., Norway and South Africa that suggest the omicron variant may be more transmissible but cause milder symptoms of Covid-19.
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The Associated Press.
Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of the U.K., said Tuesday that early evidence suggests that the variant is more transmissible than the Delta variant.
A doctor in Norway told the Telegraph that patients who were at a work Christmas party have mild symptoms.
Around 60 people are thought to have been exposed to the omicron variant, and officials believe that there is a more transmissible variant.
Tine Ravlo, the health official for the district where the outbreak took place, told the Telegraph that none of the patients have been treated in hospital or become seriously ill.
The report is in line with preliminary reports and data from South Africa, which shows a spike in infections linked with the variant but more mild disease.
The average stay on the Covid ward was shorter than the average over the last 18 months, and most patients hospitalized with Covid-19 did not require supplemental oxygen.
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The observations from Norway and South Africa are preliminary, and experts caution against jumping to conclusions. There are many other factors that could possibly account for less severe disease reports. South Africa has a relatively young population and a high rate of previous coronaviruses infections, both of which could influence disease severity.
The quote is crucial.
Preben Aavitsland, a senior physician at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, said it was too early to say if the clinical picture of the disease was different in omicron infections than in delta infections.
What to watch for.
Major vaccine makers are not sure if existing shots are still effective against omicron. The experts from the World Health Organization say it will be weeks before they can draw any conclusions. Most coronaviruses tests should be able to detect the variant, according to manufacturers and government officials.
The key background.
The WHO designated a variant of concern after researchers in South Africa sounded the alarm over a highly mutated form of virus. Omicron has been found in 19 states across the U.S. and a growing number of countries around the world.
Experts from Norway say Europe's biggest omicron outbreak appears to be mild.
Initial hospital data shows mild disease.
Covid-19 vaccine makers plan to tackle Omicron.
Coverage and live updates on the coronaviruses.
