What is the reason for the emergence of variant strains in Omicron and what is the transmission power of Omicron

On November 9, 2021, a variant of COVID-19 B.

1.

1.529 was detected for the first time from case samples in South Africa. In just two weeks, the mutant became the absolute dominant mutant of COVID-19 infection cases in Gauteng Province, South Africa, with rapid growth. So what is the reason for the emergence of the Omicron variant [SEP]? How is the dissemination power? Expert interpretation attached! 1、 What is the reason for the emergence of the Omicron variant [SEP]? The National Health Commission organized experts from the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention to answer relevant questions about the COVID-19 Omikjon variant. According to the information currently shared by COVID-19 database GISAID, the number of mutation sites of COVID-19 Omikjon mutants is significantly higher than that of all COVID-19 mutants prevalent in recent two years, especially in the case of virus spike protein mutations. It is speculated that

may be caused by the following three circumstances:

1. After the immune deficiency patients were infected with COVID-19, they experienced a long period of evolution in vivo and accumulated a large number of mutations, which were spread by chance;

2. A certain animal group is infected with COVID-19, and the virus has adaptive evolution in the process of animal group transmission. The mutation rate is higher than that of humans, and then it overflows to humans;

3. This mutant has been prevalent for a long time in countries or regions where the monitoring of COVID-19 genome variation is lagging behind. Due to insufficient monitoring capability, its evolved intermediate subculture virus could not be found in time. 2、 How contagious is the Omicron variant? At present, there is no systematic research data on the transmission, pathogenicity, and immune evasion ability of the Omicron variant worldwide. But the Omicron variant has important amino acid mutation sites in the first four VOC variants Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta spike proteins, including mutation sites that enhance cell receptor affinity and viral replication ability. Epidemiological and laboratory monitoring data show a significant increase in the number of cases infected with the Omicron variant in South Africa, as well as partial replacement of the Delta variant. Further monitoring and research are needed to determine its transmission capacity. 3、 How should the public take preventive measures?

1. Wearing a mask is still an effective way to block the spread of the virus, and it is also applicable to the Omicron variant. Even after completing the full vaccination and booster shots, it is still necessary to wear masks in indoor public places, public transportation, and other places. In addition, it is necessary to wash hands frequently and ensure good indoor ventilation.

2. Conduct personal health monitoring. In case of suspected symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath and other symptoms, timely monitor the temperature and take the initiative to seek medical advice.

3. Reduce non essential entry and exit. In just a few days, multiple countries and regions have reported the importation of the Omicron variant, and China is also at risk of importing this variant. Currently, global understanding of this variant is still limited. Therefore, efforts should be made to minimize travel to high-risk areas and strengthen personal protection during travel to reduce the chance of contracting the Omicron variant.