Monitoring new variants of COVID-19

To enable people to proactively implement COVID-19 prevention and control measures without causing panic or anxiety, the Department of Disease Prevention (Ministry of Health) has issued a press release regarding the monitoring of the SARS-CoV-2 BA3.2 variant.

The infectious disease surveillance system has recorded information about a new variant of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 BA3.2) that has some changes in antigenic characteristics and the ability to evade immunity under laboratory conditions.

Health check-ups for the elderly at health stations in Lam Dong.

Given the above situation, the Ministry of Health continues to closely monitor the development of the epidemic and circulating variants worldwide. At the same time, it directs the preventive health system, medical examination and treatment facilities, and related units to maintain surveillance, early detection, risk assessment, and readiness to respond when necessary.

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The Ministry of Health advises people not to panic but also not to be complacent. Actively monitor your health, practice good personal hygiene, and go to a medical facility when you have suspicious symptoms, especially for the elderly, people with underlying diseases, pregnant women, and other high-risk groups.

According to official updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the SARS-CoV-2 BA.3.2 variant is now classified as a monitored variant. The WHO assesses the risk of this variant to public health as low compared to other currently circulating Omicron strains.

According to the World Health Organization, the BA.3.2 variant was first recorded in South Africa on November 22, 2024. Available data indicate that BA.3.2 exhibits several changes in antigenic properties and immune evasion capabilities under laboratory conditions.

However, to date there is no evidence to suggest that this variant increases the severity of the disease, the number of hospitalizations, or deaths. The WHO also stated that current COVID-19 vaccines continue to be effective in preventing severe disease progression and death.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/theo-doi-bien-the-moi-cua-covid-19-433637.html