Countries that have reported cases of the Omicron supervariant.
Following the first reported cases of the Omicron variant in South Africa, the super-variant, with the most mutations ever recorded, is spreading to many countries around the world.
 |
| The stalls were all closed at the Christmas market in Innsbruck, Austria on November 28. Photo: AP |
Most recently, on November 28th,ShirtThe first suspected case of infection with the new Omicron variant has been detected in the city of Tirol.
The Tirol city authorities stated that the case involves a person who returned from South Africa last week. Initial tests conducted by the Innsbruck Institute of Virology showed the individual was positive for SARS-CoV-2, along with signs suggestive of infection with the Omicron variant. The sample has now been sent to the Austrian Agency for Food and Health Safety (AGES) for further testing. The results from AGES are expected in the next few days.
After returning from South Africa three days ago, this patient has mostly stayed at home and shown no obvious symptoms.
Health officialsAustraliaOn November 28, it was announced that two COVID-19 patients in New South Wales, the country's most populous state, had been confirmed to be infected with the Omicron variant. These are the first cases of infection with the new variant recorded in the country.
According to local officials, the two patients, who arrived in Sydney on the evening of November 27th, are from Southern Africa. Both tested positive for the Omicron variant and were asymptomatic. Both had received all necessary COVID-19 vaccinations and were in quarantine. Twelve other passengers from Southern Africa on the same flight are also undergoing a 14-day quarantine at a hotel, while approximately 260 passengers and crew members have been instructed to self-isolate.
 |
| Kingsford Smith International Airport, in Sydney, Australia. Photo: Reuters |
Following the genetic sequencing process, on November 27th, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the first two cases of COVID-19 in the UK.Older brotherOmicron variant infection.
These two cases, one in Chelmsford and the other in Nottingham, have either traveled to or are linked to travel to Southern Africa. All family members of these two cases have been asked to self-isolate at home while authorities continue testing and contact tracing.
On November 27, health officials in the state of HessenVirtueOne case of the Omicron variant has also been detected. This individual recently returned from South Africa and is currently under home quarantine. Their test results revealed several mutations characteristic of the Omicron variant.
On the same day, the National Institute of HealthItaly(ISS) also announced the detection of the first case of infection with the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the country. ISS stated that the Omicron variant was detected in a COVID-19 positive test sample from a patient who entered Italy from Mozambique. This individual and their family members are all in good health.
 |
| Tourists wearing face masks arrive at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel, on November 28. Photo: AP |
On the same day, a hospital in the city of Liberec, in the north of the Republic.Czech RepublicAn announcement was made regarding a female patient who had contracted the Omicron variant. A spokesperson for the hospital confirmed that genetic analysis and diagnosis indicated a 90% probability that this patient was infected with the new variant of SARS-CoV-2.
Ministry of HealthDenmarkTesting is also being conducted rapidly on two suspected cases of infection with the new variant of SARS-CoV-2, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated as Omicron.
According to the Danish Ministry of Health, the two infected individuals had recently returned to the country from South Africa – the country where the first Omicron infection was detected. Danish Health Minister Magnus Heunicke stated on November 27th that these were likely two cases of the new variant, but further confirmation through testing would be needed in the coming days.
Health officialsNetherlandsReports indicate that several suspected cases of the Omicron variant have been detected among passengers arriving from South Africa.
 |
| A testing station in the Netherlands. Photo: Reuters |
Amidst the latest wave of infections caused by the Delta variant still weighing on healthcare systems in numerous countries, the Omicron variant, or B.1.1.529, believed to have originated in South Africa, has quickly raised alarm in many countries around the world.
The exact location of origin of this super variant is currently unknown, but the first case has been identified in...South AfricaThe first cases of the Omicron variant were recorded in Gauteng province, a major economic center and also the province that has seen a surge in new cases in recent days.Botswana, Israel, and Hong Kong(China).
Omicron has about 50 mutations, more than 30 of which are located in the spike protein, making it distinctly different from the original virus. Scientists call this an anomalous mutation cluster, as Omicron has the most dangerous mutations of all variants known to date.
 |
| Passengers line up for COVID-19 testing at Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, on November 26. Photo: Reuters |
According to the WHO, it will take several weeks to determine whether the newly discovered mutations make the virus more virulent or more transmissible. The South African Ministry of Health stated that hastily imposing a travel ban was a mistake and contrary to WHO recommendations.
