Rare and stable: Analysis of the Omicron sub-variant in Morocco
The cases detected are characterized by their rarity and the absence of serious complications, which reassures about the epidemiological situation in Morocco at present, indicates the same source. And for good reason, this new genetic mutation is always associated with the variant.Omicron“, against which a large part of the population has developed natural immunity, according to the expert in genomic surveillance. However, we should expect to discover more cases of infection in the coming days due to high travel, both internally and internationally Faced with this situation, Professor Mustafa El Fahim encourages anyone showing symptoms of the disease. Covid-19 to undergo laboratory tests to confirm or not an infection. It also recommends that infected people follow treatment protocols and respect collective prevention measures, including isolation and wearing a mask to avoid the spread of the disease.
This subtype of the Omicron, which first appeared in March this year, has established itself in Europe and the USA. It is characterized by changes in spike proteins, which genomic surveillance has revealed increases in its ability to spread rapidly and evade immune surveillance, which could lead to a minor pandemic wave this summer.
According to available data, this genetic mutation presents symptoms similar to those of previous strains of coronavirus, namely fever, dry cough or cough with phlegm, dyspnea, fatigue, headache, sore throat, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. According to the expert, most people with these symptoms are not at risk, except for those with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses.
Note that Morocco maintains epidemiological vigilance and monitoring the spread of Covid-19 in response to the emergence of new sous-variants d’Omicron. Data on the new genetic mutation is collected and tracked. “We analyze samples from positive cases in special laboratory tests in order to find new strains, sub-variants or sub-sub-variants,” reassure professionals. These efforts rely, according to sources, on the method of nucleic acid sequencing to identify any variation in the nitrogen bases of all potential variants and mutations, known or recently discovered. In addition, health services at Moroccan airports continue to apply appropriate measures and monitor travelers coming from countries where the sub-variant has been spotted.
