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WHO: Data insufficient to conclude Omicron more dangerous than Delta

29 November 2021 00:46 (UTC +04:00)

There are not enough data yet to state that the new Omicron coronavirus variant is more dangerous than the Delta one, and existing vaccines remain effective, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Sunday, APA reports.

"It is not yet clear whether Omicron is more transmissible (e.g., more easily spread from person to person) compared to other variants, including Delta. The number of people testing positive has risen in areas of South Africa affected by this variant, but epidemiologic studies are underway to understand if it is because of Omicron or other factors," the WHO said in a statement.

The organization also added that it is not clear yet if the Omicron strain leads to a more serious course of the disease.

"It is not yet clear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease compared to infections with other variants, including Delta. Preliminary data suggests that there are increasing rates of hospitalization in South Africa, but this may be due to increasing overall numbers of people becoming infected, rather than a result of specific infection with Omicron," the organization said.

The WHO is also working with a group of technical experts to figure out if the new strain can affect the effectiveness of the existing vaccines and other sanitary measures.