A South African doctor who announced the discovery of the Omicron variant has said only mild symptoms are being noticed so far.
The virus was originally called B.1.1.529 before being labeled as Omicron. It’s discovery was announced over the holiday weekend.
This variant reportedly has at least 30 genetic mutations in its spike protein.
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One doctor, Dr. Angelique Coetzee, chairwoman of the South African Medical Association, said patients with this strain presented unusual symptoms for COVID-19.
She described the first patient as a 33-year-old male who presented as extremely tired, with body aches, a headache, and a scratchy throat.
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He did not show a cough or loss of taste and smell. These are majorly common symptoms for COVID-19.
Coetzee added that these are all mild symptoms and nobody with this strain has been admitted to the hospital.
Dr. Francis Collins, the director for the National Institutes of Health, told CNN there isn’t a reason to believe it’s worse yet. She added that South Africa is reporting cases are milder and mostly in young people.
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