South African medical association says Omicron variant causes 'mild disease'

Times of India reports that the chairwoman of the South African Medical Association Angelique Coetzee says the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus results in mild disease, without prominent syndromes.

The World Health Organization has identified the new South African strain as one of concern, as it is reported to carry a high number of mutations - 32 - which possibly makes it more transmissible and dangerous.

The WHO has dubbed it Omicron, the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet.

Coetzee says it presents mild disease with symptoms being sore muscles and tiredness for a day or two not feeling well.

She says so far, they have detected that those infected do not suffer loss of taste or smell.

Coetzee says they might have a slight cough, there are no prominent symptoms and of those infected some are currently being treated at home.

She says at the same time, the situation might be different for the unvaccinated. Coetzee says they will only know this after two weeks.