Omicron-The Variant of Concern Knocks the Door of Pakistan

Abstract

merging variants of SARS-CoV-2 are being identified across the world leaving continuous challenges for the scientists, vaccine and drug inventors, general populace and the entire international public health fraternity. World Health Organization (WHO) has labelled some variants “Variants of Interests (VOIs)” or “Variants of Concerns (VOCs)” due to their ability to change and alter the virus’ properties significantly (1). It was 24 November 2021, when “B.1.1.529” variant was reported to WHO from Republic of South Africa (2). The scientists of South Africa and Botswana alerted the entire world about this fast-spreading newly reported variant (3). The first confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on 9 November 2021. (2). It was 26 November 2021, when WHO called and labelled this variant as “Omicron”, on the recommendation of “Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution” (TAG-VE) for WHO (4). So far it has been reported in 38 nations (5). Researchers from all over the world are now racing to understand about the threat this variant has been imposing (3). The major concerns regarding omicron include whether or not it is more contagious or severe than other VOC’s and whether it can circumvent the vaccine protection. Clinical and immunological data are not available up till now. So far more than 30 mutations of Omicron have been recorded (6). These mutations lead to increased transmissible, higher antibody escape and enhanced viral binding affinity. COVID-19 vaccines manufacturers are thinking about the adjustment of their products in order to protect against this newly detected variant (7, 5,8). On the basis of available data from previously reported VOCs, individuals who are jabbed are expected to have a lower threat of severe ailment from omicron infection. Extrapolations based on preliminary observations and already known mutations, indicate that omicron might possibly spread faster and might also escape antibodies more readily than previously reported variants, thus increasing cases of re-infection and cases of minor breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals. Approach of getting vaccination at a national level and public health preventive measures (mask wearing, avoidance of enclosed spaces, physical distancing, and maintenance of hand hygiene and preference of outdoor gathering) are expected to be an effective strategy (9). According to the National Command and Operation center (NCOC), it will be almost impossible to halt it from entering our nation as the entire world is very much inter-connected in this era. The minister also told that we had already banned air travels from Omicron affected nations and Government is also planning to administer the booster dose to the citizens of fifty years and above as well as the Healthcare workers (10). E Omicron-The Variant of Concern Knocks the Door of Pakistan