2 more Omicron cases in Mumbai, India`s tally at 23 |
Two more cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus were detected in Mumbai, taking Maharashtra`s total case tally to 10. Both patients, who had taken Pfizer`s Covid vaccine had no symptoms and are presently admitted at the Seven Hills Hospital in Mumbai. The 37-year-old man, who tested positive for the new variant had returned from South Africa`s Johannesburg on November 25. His 36-year-old friend, who had returned from the US on November 25 has also tested positive for the Omicron variant. Five high-risk and 315 low-risk contacts of both the patients have been traced, and further tracing is currently underway. With these two cases, India`s total tally of the new coronavirus variant jumped to 23. The first two cases of Omicron were reported in Karnataka, followed by one in Gujarat`s Jamnagar and another in Maharashtra. On Dec 5, seven more cases were reported in Maharashtra`s Pune district, while Rajasthan`s Jaipur confirmed nine cases of the Omicron variant. In Delhi, a man was found to be infected with the new variant and has been admitted to the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital. In view of the new coronavirus variant, designated as `Variant of Concern` by the World Health Organisation, several states have stepped up surveillance and containment measures, as well as ramping up efforts to get the eligible population vaccinated. More data are needed to know if Omicron infections, and especially reinfections and breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated, cause more severe illness or death than infection with other variants. Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur. With other variants, like Delta, vaccines have remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. The recent emergence of Omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters. Scientists are working to determine how well existing treatments for COVID-19 work. Based on the changed genetic make-up of Omicron, some treatments are likely to remain effective while others may be less effective.
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