Recently, multiple cases of Omicron variant infection have been reported in many places, which has aroused widespread concern. Regarding the Omicron variant, the National Health and Health Commission organized experts from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention to give the latest answers to relevant questions:
- Discovery and prevalence of Omicron variants
On November 9, 2021, South Africa detected a new coronavirus variant for the first time from case samples. On November 26, the World Health Organization named it the Omicron variant. According to the global new coronavirus database GISAID, as of January 17, 2022, 118 countries have submitted 374,314 Omicron virus genome sequences. At present, the Omicron variant has become the predominant epidemic strain in the world.
The Omicron variant was first imported into Hong Kong, my country on November 27, 2021, and was first imported into mainland my country on December 9.
- Transmissibility of Ormicron Variants
Epidemiological data from multiple countries suggest that the transmissibility of the Omicron variant is enhanced compared with other variants. The World Health Organization's December 23, 2021 briefing on Omicron showed that its household recurrence rate was 15.8%, higher than Delta's 10.3%. According to data from the UK Health Security Agency, between December 19 and 20, 2021, 90% of new coronary pneumonia cases in London and 76% in England were infected with the Omicron variant. According to the website of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the week from December 26, 2021 to January 1, 2022, 95.4% of the new coronary pneumonia cases in the United States were infected with the Omicron variant.
- The effect of existing vaccines on the prevention of Omicron variant infection
The existing research results show that the Omicron variant does not completely escape immune escape from the existing vaccine; the existing vaccine still has a certain protective effect on the Omicron variant, but its ability to prevent infection is limited. There is no increase in the severe disease rate and mortality rate caused by the Omicron variant strain. For the Omicron variant strain, the existing vaccines are still effective in preventing severe illness and death.
- The impact of Omicron variant strains on existing nucleic acid detection reagents
The genome analysis of the Omicron variant shows that its mutation site is not located in the target region of nucleic acid detection reagent primers and probes announced in the eighth edition of my country's "New Coronavirus Pneumonia Prevention and Control Plan", and does not affect my country's mainstream nucleic acid detection reagents. sensitivity and specificity.
- Measures taken by relevant countries and regions
In view of the rapid global epidemic trend of Omicron variants, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia and the European Union have recently recommended that the public strengthen daily hygiene protection (washing hands, wearing masks and social distancing), and the health department strengthens disease surveillance and vaccination. In particular, the booster shot of the new coronavirus vaccine for front-line medical staff.
- my country's countermeasures
my country's general strategy of "foreign defense against import, internal defense against rebound" and the general policy of "dynamic clearing" are still valid for Omicron mutants. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has established a specific nucleic acid detection method for Omicron variants, and continues to carry out viral genome surveillance for possible imported cases and associated local cases, which is conducive to timely detection of possible imported or local Omicrons. Rong variant.
- WHO Recommendations for Response to Omicron Variants
The World Health Organization recommends that all countries strengthen the monitoring, reporting and research of the new coronary pneumonia virus, and take effective public health measures to block the spread of the virus. Individuals are advised to keep a distance of at least 1 meter in public places, wear masks, open windows for ventilation, keep hands clean, cough or sneeze into elbows or tissues, get vaccinated, etc., and avoid going to poorly ventilated or crowded places. Currently, all variants can cause severe illness or death. Therefore, preventing the spread of the virus is always the key, and the new coronavirus vaccine is still effective in reducing severe illness and death.
- In the face of the Omicron variant, the public's precautions in their daily work
(1) Wearing a mask is still an effective way to block the spread of the virus, and it is also applicable to the Omicron variant. Even after completing the whole course of vaccination and vaccination booster, it is also necessary to wear masks in indoor public places, public transportation and other places. In addition, wash your hands frequently and do good indoor ventilation.
(2) Do a good job in personal health monitoring. When there are symptoms of suspected new coronary pneumonia, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath and other symptoms, monitor the body temperature in time and take the initiative to seek medical treatment.
(3) Reduce non-essential travel. Try not to travel to high-risk countries or regions, and if necessary, strengthen personal protection during travel to reduce the risk of contracting the Omicron variant. Pay close attention to the local cluster epidemic in China, do not go to the county (city, district, banner) with the epidemic unless it is necessary, and the residents of the place with the epidemic do not leave the place of residence unless it is necessary.