The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) while noting that the variant continues to grow rapidly as a variant of concern globally has found that there is no clear evidence yet on the transmissibility, immune evasion or severity of Omicron in India.
The bulletin has been published on Monday, said the public health measures and investigations are being conducted to look into the new variant.
“At this time, there is no clear evidence regarding transmissibility, immune evasion, or severity in India,” INSACOG said. It further said that while the Delta variant, including its B.1.617.2 (AY) and AY.x sublineages, continues to be the key variant of concern globally, Omicron continues to raise rapidly.
“Cases have continued to increase in South Africa, with a smaller but clear rise in hospitalizations. Pending complete genomic sequencing, in the UK, S-gene target failure has shown a very rapid increase in likely Omicron cases and this would represent a significant growth advantage against Delta,” the INSACOG said.
The association said that while there are some signals that the disease may be minor with Omicron, there is insufficient data to determine whether this is because of prior infections or vaccination.
“There is insufficient data for Omicron severity in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated older subjects,” INSACOG said.
