Omicron Variant Poses <br />'Very High' Global Risk, , WHO Warns.<br />The World Health Organization (WHO) released a brief about the emergence of the Omicron variant on Nov. 28.<br />The variant was first detected in South Africa.<br />The overall global risk related to the new variant of concern omicron is assessed as very high, WHO Brief, via FOX News.<br />The WHO brief also addresses the transmissibility of the Omicron variant.<br />The likelihood of potential further spread of Omicron at the global level is high, WHO Brief, via 'The Washington Post'.<br />The variant has between <br />26 and 32 mutations <br />of the coronavirus.<br />The WHO described some of these mutations as "concerning," .<br />in that it is unknown how these mutations allow the virus to be transmitted or interact with the human immune system.<br />Depending on these characteristics, there could be future surges of COVID-19, which could have severe consequences, , WHO Brief, via 'The Washington Post'.<br />depending on a number of factors including where surges may <br />take place, WHO Brief, via 'The Washington Post'.<br />The National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins described the variant as "particularly contagious,".<br />but when on to say that <br />it was too early to determine <br />the severity of illness that <br />the variant causes.<br />While the variant has yet to be detected in the U.S., <br />health experts say it will likely be soon.<br />When you have a virus that is showing this degree of transmissibility ... it almost invariably is ultimately going to go essentially all over, Dr. Anthony Fauci, via 'FOX News'
