Sars-Cov-2 Omicron Variant: A variant of SARS-CoV-2

It was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) from South Africa on 24 November 2021. On 26 November 2021, the WHO called it a variant of concern, and named it "Omicron".

Etymology: Omicron is a letter in the Greek alphabet.

BA.2.86, or Pirola, is a descendant of the parent lineage (B.1.1.529). It has been known to media since August 2023. Research has not shown (as of 2023's third quarter) if this variant can possibly be more dangerous than other variants that are in circulation (or spreading infection from some people to more people). The variant has been found in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. It has "dozens of genetic changes". Related page: mutation.

BA.2.86, samples are from as early as July 2023; It is on the list of Variants under monitoring (according to WHO, as of 2023's third quarter). The variant is a descendant of the parent lineage (or B.1.1.529) of the Omicron variant.

• EG.5, sometimes called Eris, sampled since February 2023, listed as Variants of interest (according to WHO, as of 2023's third quarter)
• XBB, sampled since August 2022, listed as Variants under monitoring (as of 2023's third quarter)
• BA.2.75, sampled since 2021, listed as Variants under monitoring (as of 2023's third quarter)

• Lineage, B.1.1.529 (the parent lineage of the Omicron variant) seems to be out of circulation (according to WHO, in March 2023).

Omicron multiplies around 70 times faster than the Delta variant in the bronchi, but it is less severe than other strains, especially the Delta variant. Omicron might be less able to enter deep lung tissue. Omicron infections are 91 percent less fatal than the delta variant, with 51 percent less risk of hospitalization.

Vaccines can protect against severe disease and hospitalisation especially after a third dose of an mRNA vaccine is given. Early data found that double vaccination give 30 to 40 percent protection against infection and around 70 percent protection against hospitalization. A recent third vaccine dose boosts effectiveness against infection to around 75 percent, and 88 percent for severe disease.

• Variants of SARS-CoV-2