Omicron, the COVID19 variant of concern, infects and multiplies 70 times faster than the Delta variant. This was found in a study led by researchers from the University of Hong Kong. The research, which is currently under peer review, provides the first of its kind information on how the Omicron variant infects the human respiratory tract.
“The researchers found that Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infects and multiplies 70 times faster than the Delta variant and original SARS-CoV-2 in human bronchus, which may explain why Omicron may transmit faster between humans than previous variants,” the University of Hong Kong noted in a statement.
But the research also found that the Omicron variant replicated less efficiently — more than 10 times lower — in the human lung tissue than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. This indicated lower disease severity.
“It is also noted that, by infecting many more people, a very infectious virus may cause more severe disease and death even though the virus itself may be less pathogenic,” Michael Chan Chi-wai, Associate Professor of School of Public Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, was quoted in a statement.
“Therefore, taken together with our recent studies showing that the Omicron variant can partially escape immunity from vaccines and past infection, the overall threat from the Omicron variant is likely to be very significant,” he added.
Also Read: The Indian Medical Association warns of ‘massive’ third wave amid Omicron threat
“It is important to note that the severity of disease in humans is not determined only by virus replication but also by the host immune response to the infection, which may lead to dysregulation of the innate immune system,” said Chan, who led the research.
In India, at least 100 Omicron cases have been reported so far, with Maharashtra reporting the maximum number of cases at 32. On December 2, the country reported its first Omicron case in the southern state of Karnataka. In two weeks, the variant has spread to other states in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala in the country.
In the wake of rising Omicron cases across Europe and other parts of the world, the Indian government has suggested people should avoid non-essential travel.
“It is time to avoid non-essential travel, mass gatherings and observe low-intensity festivities. Districts with more than five per cent of test positivity rate need to ensure restrictive measures until it comes below five per cent for at least two weeks,” Balram Bhargava, Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research, said in a media briefing today, December 17.
Recently on December 15, World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that Omicron is spreading at a rate ‘not seen with any previous variant’. He also stated that the vaccines alone shall not help in containing the outbreak.
Also Read: Omicron outbreak unprecedented, vaccines alone won’t help in controlling it: WHO
At least 10,000 Omicron cases in UK
Omicron was first reported from South Africa on November 24. A day later, the United Kingdom reported its first Omicron case on November 27.
In less than three weeks, the United Kingdom has reportedly detected over 10,000 cases of Omicron ahead of Christmas festivities. Yesterday on December 16, the UK reported a record high COVID19 cases at over 88,000. This is claimed to be the country’s highest since the pandemic began last year.
The British government on December 13 confirmed the death of one person after contracting the Omicron variant. It’s the first death due to the Omicron variant across the world.
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