Page 62 - Mutation News Today

Dominant strain here in the u.s. heres what she said. >> it might. we dont yet know. what we do know is that early data and even mutation data are telling us that this may well be a more transmissible variant than delta. and so this is going to take some time to sort out. we are prepared, though. we are doing genomic sequencing in all these states. >> what did you make of that? >> we are doing a lot more genoming sequencing but most of these variants are typically found in other places first. a ...

It is still unclear what kind of risk omicron poses and how effective vaccines will be against the new heavily mutated variant. The measures to contain the spread though are familiar, though, with many countries sealing their borders.

Crucial step in the fight against the virus, especially now that a new mutation has emerged. the omicron variant first reported in south africa has now been detected in at least 24 countries including here in the united states. this strain has at least 50 mutations and is likely more contagious, but so far it doesnt appear any deadlier. >> were learning more every single day, and well fight this variant with science and speed, not chaos and confusion. >> according to an israeli health official, ...

Increasing transmissibility, like increasing tra nsmissibility, like delta increasing transmissibility, like delta and alpha variants, they are mutations which have been seen previously in other mutations which have some ability to overcome antibody immunity. what is important is at the moment until we get experimental evidence, its very hard to tell. a single mutation tells us one thing but when they are together they could either work very well together or they might actually work negatively t...

Library. >> reporter: the world health organization and cdc declared omicron a variant of concern after it was flagged by scientists in south africa. a mutation in the omicron variant causes a peculiar test result called an s-gene drop out. >> the green curve is the s-gene. it would normally be up there with them. >> reporter: making a suspicious case easy to spot for expedited sequencing. >> we have about six samples right now that have that signature s-gene drop out. >> reporter: but sequencin...

Look at where things stand right now. >> since january 2020, there have been more than 48 million confirmed cases of covid-19 in the united states, more than 780,000 people have died. almost 60% of the u.s. population is now fully vaccinated according to the cdc, though only about 22% of those eligible have received a booster shot. health experts say that is a crucial step in the fight against the virus, especially now that a new mutation has emerged. the omicron variant first reported in south ...

Expected. again, im not surprised looking at two things. one, just the mutation that is we are seeing but also south africa because its -- because they went through a lot of just -- there is low level of infection you saw a huge percentage of the population who probably got covid in the past. they have gone through all variants, delta variant and other variants that are evasive. this shows for people in our own country people on the fence saying i got infection before. do i want a vaccine or not...

It away. >> great read and important part of our history. i would agree with brians last statement. i disagree with the early part. the last statement is right. this is a vaccine that we would not have but for operation warp speed. and i think the incredible work that scientists and medical professionals and pharmaceutical companies were able to do largely because the way it was paid for them to do it. i think when you look at serious health professionals, which i consider every health professio...

Scientists have urged caution — but not panic — over omicron. DW looks at what we know so far about the potential dangers of the fast-spreading variant.

Seegene test kits capable of detecting Omicron variant