It is interesting how the WHO and South African medical authorities present the South African variant, not exactly in the same way. "The new Omicron variant of the coronavirus results in mild disease, without prominent syndromes, Angelique Coetzee, the chairwoman of the South African Medical Association, told Sputnik on Saturday.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identified on Friday the new South African strain as one of concern, as it is reported to carry a high number of mutations- 32- which possibly makes it more transmissible and dangerous.
The WHO has dubbed it Omicron, the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet. "It presents mild disease with symptoms being sore muscles and tiredness for a day or two not feeling well. So far, we have detected that those infected do not suffer loss of taste or smell. They might have a slight cough. There are no prominent symptoms. Of those infected some are currently being treated at home," Coetzee said.
The official noted that hospitals have not been overburdened by Omicron patients and that the new strain is not been detected in vaccinated persons."