Regarding the Omikejong mutant strain, the authoritative answer is coming!

Recently, many places have reported the discovery of infection cases of the Aomi Kerong variant, which has aroused widespread concern. In response to the Omikerong strain, the National Health Commission organized experts from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention to respond to social concerns on its official website on January 17.

Q: What is the discovery and prevalence of the Ami kerong variant?

A: On 9 November 2021, a variant of the new coronavirus was detected for the first time in South Africa from a sample of cases. On 26 November, the World Health Organization named it the Omicron variant. According to the global covid-19 database GISAID, as of January 17, 2022, 118 countries have submitted 374314 genome sequences for the Omikejung virus. At present, the Omiljung variant has become the dominant popular strain in the world.

The Omikejong variant was first imported into Hong Kong on November 27, 2021, and was first imported into mainland China on December 9, 2021.

Q: Compared to other mutants, is the Semikeron mutant more pervasive?

A: The epidemiological data of many countries suggest that the transmission capacity of the Omikerong variant is enhanced compared with other variants. The World Health Organization's 23 December 2021 briefing on Omikeron showed a household renewal rate of 15.8 percent, up from 10.3 percent in Delta. According to the UK Health Security Agency, 90% of COVID-19 cases in London and 76% of COVID-19 cases in England were infected with the Aumecreon variant from 19 to 20 December 2021. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, in the week from December 26, 2021 to January 1, 2022, 95.4% of the new crown pneumonia cases in the United States were infected by the Olmikron variant.

Q: Are existing vaccines still effective in preventing infection with the Ami kerong variant?

A: The results of the existing studies show that the Olmi kerong variant does not completely immune escape from the existing vaccine; the existing vaccine still has a certain protective effect on the Ami kerong variant, but its ability to prevent infection has declined; it has not been found that the Omilkeron strain has caused an increase in the rate of severe illness and mortality.

Q: Does the Omiljung variant have an impact on existing nucleic acid detection reagents?

A: The genomic analysis of the Omikerong mutant strain shows that its mutation site is not located in the primer and probe target area of the nucleic acid detection reagent published in the eighth edition of the "Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia Prevention and Control Plan" in mainland China, which does not affect the sensitivity and specificity of mainstream nucleic acid detection reagents in mainland China.

Q: At present, what are the measures taken by the relevant countries and regions?

A: In view of the rapid global epidemic trend of the Omicron variant, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia and the European Union have recently recommended that people strengthen daily hygiene protection (hand washing, wearing masks and safe social distancing), and health departments should strengthen disease surveillance, vaccination, especially for frontline health workers to inject COVID-19 vaccines.

Q: What is the mainland's response?

Answer: The mainland's general strategy of "external defense input, internal defense rebound" and "dynamic clearance" general policy are still valid for the Opmi Kerong variant. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has established a specific nucleic acid detection method for the Omiljunn variant, and continues to carry out viral genomic surveillance for possible imported cases and associated indigenous cases, which is conducive to the timely detection of Possible imported or associated native Omilon variants.

Q: What kind of recommendations has the World Health Organization given to deal with the Aumechjong variant?

A: The World Health Organization recommends that countries strengthen surveillance, reporting and research on COVID-19 and take effective public health measures to stop the spread of the virus. Individuals are advised to stay at least 1 metre apart in public places, wear a mask, open windows for ventilation, keep their hands clean, cough or sneeze on elbows or tissues, vaccinate, etc., and avoid going to poorly ventilated or crowded places. Currently, all variant strains can cause severe illness or death. Therefore, preventing the spread of the virus is always key, and the NEW Crown Virus vaccine remains effective in reducing severe illness and death.

Q: In the face of the Aomi Kerong mutant, what are the precautions for the public in their daily life work?

A: There are three main items. First, wearing a mask is still an effective way to stop the spread of the virus, and the same applies to the Omikejung variant. Even after completing the full vaccination and vaccination of the booster, it is also necessary to wear a mask in indoor public places, public transportation and other places. In addition, wash your hands frequently and ventilate indoors.

Second, do a good job of personal health monitoring. When there are suspected symptoms of new crown pneumonia, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath and other symptoms, timely monitor body temperature and take the initiative to seek medical treatment.

Again, reduce non-essential travel. Try not to travel to high-risk countries or areas, and if necessary, strengthen personal protection during travel to reduce the risk of contracting the Aumecreon variant. Pay close attention to the domestic local cluster epidemic situation, do not go to the county (city, district, flag) where the epidemic is not necessary, and the residents of the place where the epidemic is not necessary do not leave their place of residence.

(Guangming Daily all-media reporter Jin Zhenya)

Source: Guangming Daily all-media reporter Jin Zhenya

Editor-in-charge: Wang Yuanfang

Editor: Zhang Yongqun