New Coronavirus Variant Discovered in Africa Named After Greek Letter

A new coronavirus variant discovered in South Africa, B.1.1.529, has been classified as a 'variant of concern.' It has been named after the Greek letter Omicron. This information was reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in a statement presenting the results of an emergency meeting of its Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution.

'The advisory group reported to WHO that this variant should be designated as a variant of concern, and WHO has identified B.1.1.529 as such, naming it Omicron,' the statement said.

According to the Technical Advisory Group's assessment, Omicron carries a large number of mutations, some of which raise concerns. Preliminary data suggest a higher risk of reinfection with this variant. WHO reports that the transmissibility of the virus with Omicron is also increased, and there have been reports of enhanced virulence or changes in clinical manifestations of the disease.