There is no need to worry about new types of the omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus, as they appear every two to three months, says director of the risk analysis and prevention department of the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), epidemiologist Yuriy Perevoshchikovs.
From time to time, a new strain of the Covid-19 virus emerges, which worries the public to some extent. Currently, as shown by the wastewater monitoring data of the “Bior” Scientific Institute for Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment, a new strain of the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus JN.1 or “Pirola” has been detected in the wastewater of Saldu, Jūrmala and Madona.
At the same time, the number of monitoring sites where the presence of BA2.86, which was discovered two weeks earlier, was detected has increased – it was detected in Ventspils, Liepāja, Valmiera, Salaspils, Daugavpils and on the left bank of Riga.
According to the epidemiologist, there is no need to worry about these new types of the virus. He drew attention to the fact that no new variants of the Covid-19 virus, which are clinically more severe, have appeared in the last two years.
“Omicron is relatively mild, but it is quite dangerous for people who have insufficient immunity – people aged 65 and over, people with chronic diseases and pregnant women. If the immunity is not enough to protect, then it should be strengthened,” said the expert.
He explained that over time, the immunity created by the vaccine against Covid-19 decreases, and it decreases the fastest in the persons of the risk group. That’s why the population, especially those in the risk group, are invited to get vaccinated against Covid-19. Existing vaccines also provide protection against the new omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus.
Source: LETA
