Omicron variation could cause another Covid wave: WHO, chief scientist

Omicron variation could cause another Covid wave: WHO, chief scientist

World Health Organization (WHO) chief scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan said on Thursday that some countries may see "another epidemic" with Omicron's XBB subvariant, a variant of the COVID-19 virus.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the annual general meeting of the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN), She clarified that there is no information from any country that these new variants are clinically more severe.

There are more than 300 subtypes of Omicron. I think the one currently involved is XBB, which is a recombinant virus. We've seen some recombinant viruses before. It's highly immune-evasive, meaning it can overcome antibodies. We're seeing another wave of epidemics in some countries because of XBB. can be seen," She said.

She also urged people to get their booster shots to be fully vaccinated against the virus. According to him, when the Omicron variant triggered a new epidemic, elderly groups were heavily affected and many deaths were reported from those who were not fully vaccinated.

Dr.Soumya said they are also tracking derivatives of BA.5 and BA.1. As the virus evolves, it's going to evolve to become more and more contagious.

"At present, there is no data from any country to suggest that these new subtypes are clinically more serious," she clarified.

"We need to continue to monitor and track. Testing has decreased across the country and genetic monitoring has also decreased in the last few months. We need to maintain at least a strategic model of genetic monitoring. Keep monitoring variations as we do and study," she said.

"A lot of people think it's like the flu or any other respiratory infection, but how COVID affects all organ systems and not just the respiratory tract. It also affects the cardiovascular system and inflammation. So we saw a doubling of the risk. A doubling of the risk of diabetes, heart attack...and others. Neurological problems." We have seen," added Dr. Swaminathan.

Amid fears of a new wave from the XBB variant, experts on Thursday said people should wear masks in crowded areas. Special emphasis was given to vulnerable groups like pregnant women and the elderly.