Omicron Symptoms, 'Mild' Thus Far, Says Doctor , Who Brought Attention to New Variant.
CNBC reports the South African doctor who
first identified the new omicron COVID-19 variant says its symptoms are
so far "extremely mild.".
Dr. Angelique Coetzee says she began to notice a trend in patients with "unusual symptoms" around November 18.
It actually started with a male patient who’s around the age of
33... he’s just [been] extremely tired for the past few days and he’s got these body aches and pains
with a bit of a headache. , Dr. Angelique Coetzee, chair South African Medical Association, via the BBC.
The doctor says many of these patients exhibited symptoms such as a "scratchy throat," but weren't experiencing usual COVID-19 symptoms, such as loss of taste and smell.
The doctor says many of these patients exhibited symptoms such as a "scratchy throat," but weren't experiencing usual COVID-19 symptoms, such as loss of taste and smell.
What we are seeing clinically in South Africa — is extremely mild... We haven’t admitted anyone, I’ve spoken to other colleagues of mine and they give the same picture. , Dr. Angelique Coetzee, chair South African Medical Association, via the BBC.
What we are seeing clinically in South Africa — is extremely mild... We haven’t admitted anyone, I’ve spoken to other colleagues of mine and they give the same picture. , Dr. Angelique Coetzee, chair South African Medical Association, via the BBC.
The World Health Organization
suggests the new strain has
increased risks of reinfection.
Experts are reportedly concerned with the variant's vast amount of mutations.
Officials with WHO say it could be
weeks before we properly understand
the effects of the new variant.
As reports of the new variant arose,
many countries implemented travel
bans on African countries where the
new strain of COVID-19 had been found.
As reports of the new variant arose,
many countries implemented travel
bans on African countries where the
new strain of COVID-19 had been found.
South African Minister of Health
Joe Phaahla was appalled by reports of said travel bans, calling them "draconian.".
Experts say it's likely the omicron variant
has already spread to many of the nations
that have banned travel from South Africa.
I think you already
have it there in your country without
even knowing it... , Dr. Angelique Coetzee, chair South African Medical Association, via the BBC