Authorities in Brazil Speak on First COVID-19 Omicron Variant Cases
BRAZIL – Anvisa confirmed its first two (2) cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 which is currently a global concern.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to place many countries in front of tougher challenges with a new variant – the Omicron variant. Formerly called B.1.1.529, the said variant was reported to be a “heavily mutated” variant thus the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning to countries.
WHO urges countries to boost the efforts to prevent the entry of Omicron. Several nations currently ban foreign travelers from South Africa, where the said variant of concern was first detected. Hong Kong and several other countries also recorded their first cases of the virus.
Recently, another country, Brazil, confirmed its first cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. The two (2) cases are the first cases of the said variant of concern in Latin America.
Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, the first two (2) cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 are a couple. Brazilian health regulator Anvista said that the patients are a traveler in San Paulo who came from South Africa and his wife who has not traveled.
According to the report, the traveler arrived at Guarulhos international airport in San Paulo last November 23. He tested negative for COVID-19. He decided to take a return trip but he and his wife tested positive for the virus and it was identified to be an Omicron variant.
The said traveler landed in San Paulo before the World Health Organization (WHO) spoke about the Omicron variant being a variant of concern and before Brazil decided to impose travel restrictions on travelers from South Africa. Reportedly, the patients are missionaries and there is no information showing they have been vaccinated against the COVID-19.
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