In early November 2021, laboratory technicians at Lancet Laboratories, Pretoria, South Africa, discovered an unusual feature in a sample they were testing for the coronavirus, a gene missing from the normally present structure of the coronavirus' normal genome. The PCR test did not detect one of the normally detectable targets, a sign that something has changed in the coronavirus.

A few days later the same phenomenon was reported at the Lancet Department of Molecular Pathology in Johannesburg. Dr Allison Glass, said this discovery coincided with a surge in positive cases of Covid-19 in a number of regions in South Africa. Three weeks later what the South African scientists discovered around the world was known as the Omicron variant of the corona virus.



One of the first doctors in South Africa to detect a variant of the coronavirus, Omicron, was named Dr Angelique Coetzee. Therefore, on November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) determined variant B.1.1.529 as a variant of concern, called Omicron. This decision was made based on evidence submitted to TAG-VE that Omicron has several mutations that can impact its behavior, for example: how easily this variant spreads or the severity of the disease it causes.

Here is a summary of what is currently known about the new variant of Omicron.

Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Budi Gunadi Sadikin announced the findings of the first case of COVID-19 variant Omicron in Indonesia on Thursday, December 16, 2021, detected in a cleaning officer with the initials N who works at the RSDC Wisma Atlet Kemayoran, Jakarta. The janitor contracted the Omicron virus from an Indonesian woman who had just returned from Nigeria on November 27, 2021, who was being quarantined at the Kemayoran Athlete House. As of December 26, 2021, the Ministry of Health has reported 46 cases of Omicron.



Researchers in South Africa and around the world are conducting research to better understand various aspects of Omicron and will continue to share findings from these studies as they become available, but it is not clear at this time whether Omicron is more easily spread and whether Omicron infection causes serious disease. more severe infection than other variants.

As for the clinical symptoms of the Omicron variant causing muscle aches, fatigue for a day or two/not feeling well, they may be a mild cough and no prominent symptoms.



The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with technical partners to understand the possible impact of this variant, including vaccines. The current vaccine is still effective against the disease so it doesn't get worse and cause death.



Because Omicron has been designated as a variant of concern, WHO recommends countries to take several actions, carry out field investigations and laboratory tests to better understand whether Omicron has different transmission or disease characteristics, or has an impact on vaccine effectiveness, therapeutics, diagnosis, and measures. -public health and social measures.



The most effective steps to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus that can be taken by the community are to maintain a physical distance of at least 1 meter from other people; wear masks properly; open windows to increase ventilation; avoiding poorly ventilated or crowded rooms; maintain hand hygiene; directing a cough or sneeze into a folded elbow or tissue; and receive vaccines when it is their turn to be vaccinated without having to choose the type of vaccine.



Author : S.M.Susianna.,dr.,Sp.PK (Doctor in Charge of PRAMITA Clinical Laboratory Branch Jl. Martadinata No. 135 Bandung)