BA.2.2 variant of Omicron may have arrived; Here’s all you need to know

New Delhi: Although the mortality rate owing to Covid-19 has declined sharply, we cannot say that the pandemic is over yet. In a recent development, a new Covid-19 variant showed up which seemed to be a combination of the Omicron variant and the Omicron subvariant that may be spreading in countries around the world.

On Wednesday, Israel’s Health Ministry reported that two travellers have been tested positive with a new Covid-19 variant, which is also known as the BA.2 variant, having both the characteristics of Omicron variant and Omicron subvariant.

Besides, Thailand also reported that a similar Covid-19 variant has been detected, calling it the B.A.2.2 variant.

Reportedly, the two patients detected with BA.2 Covid-19 variant has been suffering from “fever, headaches and muscle aches,” reported the Health Ministry.

Omicron in general caused the third wave of pandemic across the world. The symptoms of Omicron differed from person to person. Mostly, they resembled that of initial Covid-19 symptoms, but the severity was not as much as that of the first and second waves.

The symptoms included a runny nose, headaches, fatigue, and sneezing, among several others.

Spokane Regional Health District Health Officer Francisco Velazquez informed that the BA.2 variant of the Omicron has some unique symptoms as well. The two major symptoms include dizziness and fatigue.

Experts are monitoring the severity of the BA.2 variant. They are looking into the transmissibility rate.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla stated, “Variants are coming and omicron was the first one.” He added, “So what we are trying to do, and we’re working very diligently right now, it is to make not only a vaccine that will protect against all variants, including omicron, but also something that can protect for at least a year.”