WHO tracking four different versions of Omicron

Portfolio
The World Health Organization (WHO) expects a more transmissible version of Omicron to increase in circulation around the world, though it is not yet clear if the subvariant can reinfect people who caught an earlier version of the omicron strain, CNBC reported.

Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s Covid-19 technical lead, said Tuesday the global health agency is

tracking four different versions of Omicron.

Van Kerkhove said the BA.2 subvariant, which is more contagious than the currently dominant BA.1 version, will likely become more common.

BA.2 is more transmissible than BA.1 so we expect to see BA.2 increasing in detection around the world,

The WHO is monitoring BA.2 to see if the subvariant causes an increase of new infections in countries that saw a rapid increase and then a sharp decline in omicron cases, Van Kerkhove said.

She emphasized that there’s no indication of a difference in the severity of infections caused by either subvariant, though she noted that research is ongoing.

Van Kerkhove said the shots remain highly effective at preventing severe disease and death, though they don’t prevent all infections. She called on people to get vaccinated and wear masks indoors.

Cover photo: Getty Images

 

More in Economy

influenza légúti fertőzés stock
November 14, 2024 17:55

Respiratory infections pick up in Hungary after temporary relief

Holiday help is over

osztalék-költségvetés-mvm-állami vállalat-állami vagyon-energiaügyi minisztérium-költségvetés 2025
November 14, 2024 15:35

Will this save Hungary's 2025 budget?

Gov't expects some big bucks

korminfo
November 14, 2024 14:39

Hungarian gov't decides to introduce new housing subsidies

Cabinet "does not support" banks passing on higher burden to the public

GettyImages-2165761854-2025-adatok-digitális-digitális-társadalom-információ-innováció-jövő-kiberbiztonság-mesterséges-technológia
November 14, 2024 11:37

Wit some luck Hungary may reach 3% growth next year

CIB Bank publishes updated estimates

GettyImages-586066898
November 14, 2024 08:37

Hungary's construction sector in tatters

Disappointing data published for September

autóipar-németország-beruházás-elbocsátás-leépítés-kutatás-fejlesztés-német-ipar-ZF-Group
November 13, 2024 23:57

Whatever is going on in Hungary's industry, it's getting ugly

Production falls in most manufacturing subsections

LATEST NEWS

Detailed search