<Anchor>



Omicron mutation, which is fearful of spreading, was reported to the world by Dr. Angelique Kuche, a South African doctor. For the first time in the Korean press, we had an exclusive interview with Dr. Kuche. Dr. Cuchen was wary of the optimism raised by some.



Correspondent Kim Soo-hyung from Washington.



<Reporter>



Angelique Kuche, president of the Medical Association of South Africa, had an intuition that something was strange when he saw a sudden surge of corona patients who felt fatigue or sore throat, unlike the existing symptoms, in South Africa, where the delta mutation is dominant.



[Angelik Kuche / President of the Medical Association of South Africa: I did not lose my sense of smell or taste, nor did I have a runny nose. There were no such symptoms when infected with the delta mutation.]



Finally, on the 18th of last month, the health authorities requested a detailed analysis, and it was confirmed as an omicron mutation completely different from the delta.



Dr. Kuche said that even if you are infected with Omicron, the symptoms are mild, so don't worry.



[Angelik Kuche/President of the Medical Association of South Africa: Just because you have mild symptoms doesn't mean you shouldn't worry about the virus. That's not what we're talking about. It may not hurt very much. However, if you experience these symptoms, you should see a doctor.]



Most of the Omicron patients he treated were under the age of 40, so it was easy to get through, but he warned that the situation could change rapidly over the next few weeks as the elderly became infected.



[Angelik Kuche/President of the Medical Association of South Africa: (There are concerns that the (Omicron) situation may get worse in the near future. What do you think?) I completely agree.

We will see more people getting sick.

Because they are older and have chronic diseases.

Maybe a week or two later.]



Omicron also explained that, like the delta mutation, those vaccinated had fewer symptoms and a faster recovery.



[Angelic Kuche/President of the Medical Association of South Africa: They recovered faster.

It didn't hurt that badly when I was vaccinated.]



He advised that basic quarantine is the most important thing for Korea, which is preparing for Omicron.



[Angelik Kuche/President of the Medical Association of South Africa: Wear a mask, keep your distance, and get vaccinated.

That's what you can do.]