New Covid subvariant ‘won’t lead to wave of infections’ - expert
Geneticist Professor
Tulio de Oliveira says he doesn't expect South Africa to be hit by another wave
of Covid-19 infections and hospitalisations.
The world-renowned virologist has been sharing his thoughts on the first case of the highly transmissible XBB 1.5 coronavirus subvariant detected in the country.
It was picked by the gene sequencing institute at the Stellenbosch University, which is headed by De Oliveira.
The team examined a sample submitted in December.
De Olivera says our immunity and previous waves of the omicron lineages will help prevent the rampant spread of the new variant which has been detected in over 25 other countries.
He says there has not been a spike in cases, hospitalisations or deaths linked to the new variant in our country, so far.
Genomics surveillance is being boosted as they continue to study the XBB.1.5 variant, nicknamed kraken.
He says the new variant is essentially still Omicron but advised those who are concerned to get a booster shot.
READ: China slams 'unacceptable' Covid curbs on travellers from its territory
According to the World Health Organisation, kraken has quickly become a dominant strain in the United States.
The WHO is closely following the risk of this subvariant.
Meanwhile, our Department of Health says it’s in discussions with scientists to gather more information on the variant's transmissibility and severity.
