The World Health Organization on Sunday said that it is not yet clear whether the newly discovered Omicron variant is more transmissible than other strains of the COVID-19 virus.
Why it matters: The agency's statement comes as the variant, discovered in South Africa, has already been detected in European and Asian countries.
- The WHO named Omicron "a variant of concern" based on evidence that the strain possesses significant mutations that may evade immune systems and drive a new wave of infections.
- The agency reiterated that preliminary data suggests there may be a "higher risk of reinfection" with Omicron, adding that the "number of people testing positive has risen in areas of South Africa affected by this variant."
What they're saying: "Researchers in South Africa and around the world are conducting studies to better understand many aspects of Omicron," the organization said in a statement.
- "There is currently no information to suggest that symptoms associated with Omicron are different from those from other variants," it continued.
- "WHO will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available."
Go deeper: Fauci: Omicron variant will "inevitably" be found in U.S.
