First Omicron sub-variant found in Pakistan
The National Institute of Health (NIH) reported that the first case of Omicron BA.2.12.1 was found in Pakistan.
The institute- which has been dealing with COVID-19 matters since the official closure of the National Command and Operations Centre — said the subvariant caused “a growing number of cases in different countries”.
“The best preventive measure (besides mask-wearing in crowded places) is Covid-19 vaccination. We strongly recommended getting vaccinated and all those due for boosters must get the shots immediately,” the institute added.
The new Omicron sub-variant is a descendant of the former “stealthy Omicron” super-contagious and has rapidly gained ground in the U.S.
According to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention data, BA.2.12.1 was responsible for 29% of new COVID-19 infections in the U.S. during the third week of April. And it’s caused 58pc of informed diseases in the New York region.
The variant has been found in at least 13 other countries, but the U.S. has the highest levels to date. Scientists say it’s spreading more quickly than Omicron.
The development is occurring while Pakistan is witnessing a decrease in COVID-19 cases that have declined significantly over the past few weeks.