WHO "New mutation name Omicron... High risk of reinfection, mutation of concern"

The World Health Organization (WHO) classified the novel coronavirus mutation (B.1.1.529) as a 'variant of concern' on the 26th (local time).

They also named it Omicron, the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet.

The WHO said in a statement that Omicron "carried a large number of mutations" and explained why "preliminary evidence suggests that there is an increased risk of reinfection with this mutation when compared to other mutations."

Variants of concern are classified as such when the transmission or fatality rate of the mutant virus is severe and resistance to current treatments or vaccines is increasing and an initial investigation is ongoing.

The delta mutation, which was first discovered in India and became the dominant species, is designated as a mutation of concern.

The WHO said that Omicron was first identified in a sample collected on the 9th, and South Africa reported it to the organization on the 24th.

"In recent weeks, with the emergence of this mutation, the number of people infected has risen sharply," the WHO said.

At the same time, the WHO emphasized wearing a mask, washing hands, social distancing, ventilation and vaccination.

WHO has also strengthened monitoring and sequencing of COVID-19 mutations in each country, submitting genome sequence data to public databases,We ordered the first outbreak of the mutation of concern and the WHO report of cluster infections.

The WHO also added that current gene amplification (PCR) tests can detect this mutation.

A new mutation found in Botswana, an African country, and spreading in South Africa, has 32 mutations in the 'spike protein'.

Viruses use the spike protein to penetrate into the host cell, so mutations in the spike protein can alter its ability to spread.

It can also affect the effectiveness of the vaccine.

For this reason, scientists are analyzing whether the new mutation has as high a propagation power as the old delta mutation.

The UK, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Israel, Singapore, Japan and Switzerland have announced measures such as suspending flights from southern Africa or bans entry of non-nationals due to concerns about the spread of Omicron.