How dangerous is the new variant of Corona found in South Africa? Cases found in how many countries?

The threat of Omicron, a new variant of Corona found in South Africa, is increasing. It is believed that it is more dangerous than the Delta variant. Due to this new variant, new cases in South Africa have increased by 200% in the last one week. Originating from South Africa, this variant has reached Hong Kong, Israel and Botswana. Scientists are calling it the scary and worst variant ever.

This variant has been named Omicron (B.1.1.529). The variant is said to have a total of 50 mutations, of which 30 are in its spike protein. For this reason, it is being said to be more dangerous than the Delta variant.

First cases of this variant were found in South Africa. So far 77 people have been infected with this variant there. In Botswana also 4 people have been found infected with this variant. The worrying thing is that even fully vaccinated people in Botswana have fallen prey to it.

Along with this, 2 cases of this new variant have also been found in Hong Kong. At present, both the patients have been kept in isolation and are being monitored. One case infected with this variant has also been confirmed in Israel. The infected person has returned from the South African country of Malawi.

What is worrying is that there are 50 mutations of the variant. Professor Tulio Di Oliveira, director of South Africa's Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation, has said that this mutation is like a cluster and is completely different from the previously spreading variant.

Also 30 mutations are in the spike protein of the virus. The spike protein is the part where the vaccine works. That is, if the spike protein is different, then there is also a possibility of the vaccine not being effective on this variant. This variant also has 10 mutations in the receptor binding domain. The receptor binding domain is the part of the virus that first comes into contact with our body cells. The delta variant had 2 mutations in the receptor binding domain.

This variant is also more contagious. In South Africa, there has been an increase of more than 200% in new cases in the last 1 week. This variant is believed to be the reason behind this increase. It has also spread to Botswana, Israel and Hong Kong.