World Health Organization (WHO) expert, Dr Nicksy Gumede-Moeletsi is worried about the recent development of BA.2 in a number of countries. In addition, this Omicron sub variant is difficult to find as a form of Omicron variant.
“We are very concerned,” said Nicksy, quoted from Reuters, in an online media briefing, Friday (04/02/2022).
According to Nicksy, BA.2 is difficult to find because it cannot always be detected by the S-Gene Target Failure criteria. These criteria are used to distinguish the original Omicron variant or BA.1 from other variants.
As is known, one of the criteria for the Omicron variant is the loss of three genes that are usually found in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. However, this Omicron BA.2 sub-variant does not have the missing gene like the original BA.1 aka Omicron. That’s why WHO is now working with laboratories to get a more precise picture of the spread of BA.2.
In addition, the sub-variant of Omicron BA.2 or called “Son of Omicron” is also rumored to have spread in 5 countries on the African continent. The scientist also stated that BA.2 has dominated COVID-19 cases in several countries.
“BA.2… has been found in five countries, namely Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Senegal and also South Africa. We are very worried,” Nicksy said.
Watch Videos “Omicron Subvariant Other Than ‘Stell’ BA.2“
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