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Omicron Variant: 7 Things To Know About Highly Transmissible Strain of COVID-19 That May Be More Infectious Than Delta

A new variant of COVID-19 which is highly infectious has been detected in South Africa. Experts have stated that this variant has 32 mutations and it may be more infectious than the Delta variant of coronavirus.

Written by Satata Karmakar | Updated : November 29, 2021 10:43 AM IST

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COVID-19 New Variant Detected In South Africa

Is COVID-19 pandemic over? No, not yet. As the world battle another wave of coronavirus, a new variant of the virus has been detected in South Africa that scientists say is a concern because of its high number of mutations and rapid spread among young people. Currently identified as B.1.1.529, the new variant has also been found in Botswana and Hong Kong in travelers from South Africa.

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This Variant Can Infect Fully Vaccinated

The latest variant is the most heavily mutated version of the deadly coronavirus so far. The variant was first identified in South Africa at the start of this week, and it has already spread to some neighbouring countries, including Botswana. According to the officials, this new variant is now infecting the ones who are fully vaccinated. Also Read - When you eat matters: Why meal timing affects your health

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Variant Has Large Number Of Spike Protein Mutations

Not just highly infectious, the newly found variant includes a large number of spike protein mutations as well as mutations in other parts of the viral genome which could potentially be more transmissible and evasive to vaccine immunity.

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Can Vaccines Protect You?

Experts have also warned that the COVID-19 variant — B.1.1.529 has potentially biologically significant mutations which may change the behaviour of the virus with regards to vaccines, treatments and transmissibility, and therefore the health officials are investigating more into the variant and its characteristics.

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New Variant Has More Than 50 Spike Mutations

The new variant is believed to have as many as 50 spike mutations. What are these spike proteins? Spike proteins are what viruses use to get into human cells, and some vaccines work by training the body to recognise the spikes and neutralise them. Mutations on the spike in a virus could therefore prove problematic in containing its spread.  Also Read - World Health Day 2026: Male infertility and the hidden emotional struggle beyond diagnosis and treatment

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The New Variant Is Causing Huge Spike In South Africa’s Cases

The newly detected variant has also become one of the most dominant strain in South Africa, leading to new cases on a daily basis. Speaking to the media, South Africa’s Health Minister Joe Phaahla said "There has been more of an exponential rise in cases over the last four or five days. Until recently, the country had been reporting about 200 confirmed cases per day – but this has rapidly increased over the past week, hitting 2,465 cases”.