The first study by scientists is of concern to scientists South Africa for its ability Omicron mutation of coronavirus to escape natural immune protection, as it indicates that the new strain is associated with much higher rate of infections, almost three times compared to previous epidemic waves. This means, according to scientists, that the Omicron’s rapid spread is also due to its ability to re-infect people who have taken Covid-19 in the past.
More specifically, South African epidemiologists at the National Institute on Communicable Diseases (NICD) reported that, unlike the Beta and Delta variants, Omicron shows significant potential at the population level to avoid natural immunity following a previous infection. The study did not, however, examine whether anything similar happened to her vaccine immunity or if the re-infections caused by Omicron are more severe. Based on the first indications, Existing vaccines appear to continue to significantly protect against severe Covid-19 disease and death.
Omicron mutation: At least 2.4 times higher risk of re-infection
The study, which has not yet been published, according to the Financial Times and the Guardian, was based on analyzing the results of tests performed on November 27 in people who had been infected at least three months ago, comparing the risk a new infection in the same person with the corresponding risk of re-infection from previous coronavirus strains. According to the APE-MPE, the risk of re-infection by Omicron was estimated to be at least 2.4 times larger.
It is indicative that in South Africa, where Omicron was detected in November, there is outbreaks and over 20% of coronavirus tests (one in five) are already positive, although this high index of positivity occurs in a country where vaccination coverage is low (Only a quarter of the population and 36% of adults have been fully vaccinated).
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