In the wake of two Omicron cases detected from Karnataka yesterday, December 2, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare today, on December 3, released a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the new variant which was first reported from South Africa and is now fast spreading across the world.
What is Omicron? Why is it a variant of concern?
Omicron is a new variant of SARS-CoV-2. B.1.1.529 was reported from South Africa on November 24 and named as Omicron two days later on November 26. On the same day, it was also classified as a variant of concern by the World Health Organization (WHO).
This variant has shown a large number of mutations (sudden change in the genetic structure) , especially more than 30 on the viral spike protein, which is the key target of the immune response. Given the collection of mutations in Omicron, which earlier individually have been associated with increased infectivity and/or immune evasion, and the sudden rise in the number of positive cases in South Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Omicron as a Variant of Concern (VoC).
How concerned should we be about Omicron?
Omicron has been declared a variant of concern based on the observed mutations, their predicted features of increased transmission and immune evasion, and preliminary evidence of detrimental change in COVID19 epidemiology, such as increased reinfections. The definitive evidence for increased remission and immune evasion is awaited.
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Will the existing vaccines work against Omicron?
While there is no evidence to suggest that existing vaccines do not work on Omicron, some of the mutations reported on Spike gene may decrease the efficacy of existing vaccines. However, vaccine protection is also by antibodies as well as by cellular immunity, which is expected to be relatively better preserved. Hence vaccines are expected to still offer protection against severe disease, and vaccination with the available vaccines is crucial. If eligible, but not vaccinated, one should get vaccinated.
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Will there be a third wave?
Omicron cases are increasingly being reported from countries other than South Africa and given its characteristics, it is likely to spread to more countries including India.
However, the scale and magnitude of rise in cases and most importantly the severity of disease that will be caused is still not clear. Further, given the fast pace of vaccination in India and high exposure to the delta variant as evidenced by high seropositivity, the severity of the disease is anticipated to be low. However, scientific evidence is still evolving.
Can the currently used diagnostics methods detect Omicron?
The most accepted and commonly used method of diagnosis for SARS-CoV2 Variant is the RT-PCR method. This method detects specific genes in the virus, such as Spike (S), Enveloped (E) and Nucleocapsid (N) etc to confirm the presence of virus. However, in the case of Omicron, as the S gene is heavily mutated, some of the primers may lead to results indicating absence of the S gene (called as S gene drop out). This particular S gene drop out along with the detection of other viral genes could be used as a diagnostic feature of Omicron. However, for final confirmation of the Omicron variant genomic sequencing is required.
What precautions should we take?
The precautions and steps to be taken remain the same as before. It is essential to mask yourself properly, take both doses of vaccines (if not yet vaccinated), maintain social distancing and maintain good ventilation to the maximum possible.
Also Read: Despite exposure to the virus, why do some people never get COVID19?
How is India responding?
The Indian government is monitoring the situation closely and is issuing suitable guidelines from time to time. Meanwhile, the scientific and medical community is geared up for developing and deploying diagnostics, carrying out genomic surveillance, generating evidence about viral and epidemiologic characteristics, and development of therapeutics.
Why do variants occur?
Variants are a normal part of evolution and as long as the virus is able to infect, replicate and transmit, they will continue to evolve.
Not all variants are dangerous and most often than not, we don’t notice them. Only when they are more infectious, or can reinfect people, do they gain prominence. The most important step to avoid generation of variants is to reduce the number of infections.
