The World Health Organisation has cautioned not to perceive the Omicron variant of the virus SARS-CoV-2 as being mild, because it also kills people and puts health care systems under pressure, British public broadcaster BBC reports.
Research from South Africa, where the highly infectious variant of the virus was first detected in autumn 2021, indicated that the Omicron variant is less likely to make people seriously ill than previous variants.
Read also: South African research points to reduced hospitalisations with Omicron, compared to Delta
However, the record number of people getting infected with it has left health systems under severe pressure, cautioned WHO head Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a media briefing on Thursday, January 6. «While Omicron does appear to be less severe compared to Delta, especially in those vaccinated, it does not mean it should be categorised as mild,» Dr Tedros explained. «Just like previous variants, Omicron is hospitalising people and it is killing people. In fact, the tsunami of cases is so huge and quick, that it is overwhelming health systems around the world.»
According to the organisation’s data, the number of global cases of the virus infection has increased by 71% in the last week, and in the Americas by 100%. The organisation added that among severe cases worldwide, 90% were unvaccinated, BBC reports.
WHO: Omicron is not mild, it kills as well
