First Omicron Case in Botswana: "16 of 19 Confirmed Patients Are Asymptomatic"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] In Botswana, where the new COVID-19 variant Omicron was first discovered, most confirmed cases have been reported to be asymptomatic.

Pamela Smith-Lawrence, Acting Director of the Health Department at Botswana's Ministry of Health, stated in an interview with major foreign media on the 1st (local time), "Among the 19 confirmed Omicron variant cases, the majority have already tested negative."

According to Botswana health authorities, out of the 19 confirmed Omicron variant cases, 16 were asymptomatic and 3 showed mild symptoms.

Botswana announced on the 26th of last month that a new variant was discovered in four foreigners who visited the country for diplomatic business and began an investigation. Subsequently, 15 additional Omicron variant infections were identified.

Acting Director Smith-Lawrence said, "These four foreigners, aged between 30 and 65, entered Botswana on the 7th of last month, tested positive on the 11th, and the Omicron variant infection was confirmed on the 22nd."

However, it is still too early to assess the risk of the Omicron variant. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated, "The transmissibility and severity risk of the Omicron variant have not been clearly identified," and "It will take time to understand the seriousness at this point."

Neil Ferguson, a professor at Imperial College London, also said, "It is too early to say whether the Omicron variant causes more severe or milder symptoms compared to existing variants."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.