Infectious Diseases Experts Update Press on Omicron Variant

Dec. 3, 2021
The Infectious Diseases Society of America held a press briefing on Dec. 2 on the emerging Omicron variant and stressed the importance of vaccination against COVID-19

On Dec. 2, the Arlington, Va.-based Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) conducted a media briefing featuring Carlos del Rio, M.D., president-elect, board of directors, IDSA and executive associate dean for Emory at Grady Health System; and Julie Vaishampayan, M.D., chair, public health committee, IDSA, and Stanislaus County public health officer. Chris Busky, CEO, IDSA moderated the briefing.

Del Rio began the briefing by explaining that the Omicron variant was detected in Botswana on Nov. 11, later identified in South Africa, and almost detected simultaneously in Hong Kong in a traveler returning from South Africa. “On Nov. 26 the WHO labeled this a variant of concern and today we have identified cases in 28 countries, pretty much around the world, including a case identified in the U.S. yesterday,” he said.

According to del Rio, what makes Omicron so concerning is the fact that is has a lot of mutations. It appears to be a virus that emerged in a single patient, likely someone severely immunosuppressed, who could not clear the infection. The virus then replicates in such an individual and it starts accumulating new patients. “This emphasizes the importance of vaccinating the world,” he commented. “We need to do a better job vaccinating the world. And we need to do a better job with immunosuppressed patients because that is where this variant will mutate.”

“There are more than 32 mutations in the spike protein,” del Rio stated. He also said that it is not yet clear if the virus is more transmissible, but we need to follow the science and be patient. There’s no evidence today saying that it causes more severe disease but a lot of the patients in South Africa were young, university students—young people do not generally suffer from severe COVID symptoms—and the cases were mild but again, we need to follow the science and be patient as more data becomes available.

Del Rio then said that in the meantime, as we wait for more data, we need to protect ourselves and handed off the briefing to Vaishampayan to discuss best practices.

Speaking about what public health is doing about the variant, Vaishampayan said that “Some things that we’re trying to do is increase surveillance and the rapid detection of Omicron.”

Vaishampayan explained that increasing surveillance and detection means identifying travelers and people in our own communities, increasing testing, and increasing quick response. In addition, public health leaders are focusing on contact tracing to slow down the spread and identify how Omicron is spreading. She added that we need more data on severity and risks to further inform policy and like del Rio said, we need more science and information.

Vaishampayan went over what our individuals can do to stay protected. She said that “We have a lot of Delta circulating around the U.S.—so this will work against Delta and we think Omicron—is getting vaccinated. It is the safest way, we all know this, to develop immunity against diseases.”

“Get the booster,” she added.

Earlier this week, the IDSA issued a statement on the Omicron variant that includes additional safety measures for this time of uncertainty. The statement says that “Layered prevention strategies that include vaccination, testing, masking in indoor public spaces, and gathering outdoors when possible are all important ways to reduce risk of infection. Testing for SARS-CoV-2 should be increased, especially when visiting family and friends, spending significant time indoors with others, or traveling. Rapid testing is an essential part of prevention when available.”

Moreover, “The experience with the Delta variant is a lesson to the global community that increasing vaccination, testing, masking, and adhering to all national and local guidance protects health.”

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