New COVID-19 variant in 22 countries
A new COVID-19 variant is
driving infections in parts of the world with cases reported in 22 countries.
According to the World Health Organisation, as of 18 May, scientists had identified 518 cases of the NB.1.8.1 variant in lab samples from these countries.
So far, no cases have been reported in Africa.
The South African Medical Association's chairperson, Doctor Mvuyisi Mzukwa, says it's a sub-variant of Omicron and now accounts for around 10% of global infections.
" What we do know is that it spreads more easily and it's more dominant in China, Hong Kong, but also in the USA, Australia, Thailand, and other countries."
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The WHO says while cases and hospitalisations are rising in some regions, there’s no evidence the variant causes more severe illness than previous ones.
But in India, the health officials there have recorded over 4 000 active cases linked to the strain and five deaths in the past 24 hours.
Mzukwa says COVID-19 in South Africa remains in its endemic phase.
"We still have it, but in very low numbers in circulation in the country, the vaccines are expected to remain effective and protect from getting severe symptoms. But if you are having underlying medical conditions such as kidney failure, you might want to go for a new COVID vaccines, especially if it's more than two years."
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