The Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) is a new variant of the coronavirus. It was first recorded in Botswana on November 11, 2021 and November 14 in South Africa. This variant has since been observed in several European countries in South African travelers. Today it was probably found in two people who had entered Denmark.
Two suspicions of the Omicron variant in Denmark
As reported by the Danish Ministry of Health, the cases were detected using a PCR test, which detected mutations characteristic of Omicron, and therefore are most likely an Omicron. This will only be finally confirmed once the whole genome sequencing results are available in the next few days.
Worry about the new Omikron variant
The new variant, B.1.1.529, worries virologists around the world because it has many more mutations in the spike protein than usual and is uncertain as to infectivity. It is possible also to be less susceptible to vaccines. Confirmed travel cases have been found, incl. in England and Belgium.
Is omicron already in Norway?
The omicron variant of the coronavirus has not yet been detected in Norway, but it is possible that it has also arrived in Norway without being detected. It is likely that the variant is more contagious than the delta variant and will spread to Norway. However, it is so far unlikely that this variant will cause a more serious disease. FHI has strengthened cooperation with medical and microbiological laboratories and city doctors in the country in the field of variant detection
Source: Danish Ministry of Health and FHI
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