Omicron is more likely than Delta to reinfect individuals who previously had COVID-19 and to cause "breakthrough infections" in vaccinated people while also attacking the unvaccinated. Severity:Scientists are still working to learn more about whether the current Omicron strains cause more severe disease than their predecessors. "Currently subvariants of omicron are circulating, including XBB.1.5, BQ.1.1 and BQ.1.". But, so far, the answer appears to be no. - Related Information. March 9, 2022. Viruses constantly change through mutation. Even as cases have surged, deaths haven'tat least not to the same degree. Prof David Heymann from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine acknowledged that there was still a fair amount to learn about this latest variant. On the contrary, we are continuing to hold drills and to challenge ourselves, he added. BJ1 and BM.1.1.1, with a breakpoint in S1, BA.2+ S:V83A, S:Y144-, S:H146Q, S:Q183E, S:V213E, S:G252V, S:G339H, S:R346T, S:L368I, S:V445P, S:G446S, S:N460K, S:F486S, S:F490S, Recombinant of BA.5.2.3 and CJ.1 (BA.2.75.3 sublineage), BA.5 + S:K147E, S:W152R, S:F157L, S:I210V, S:G257S, S:G339H, S:R346T, S:G446S, S:N460K, S:F486P, S:F490S, According to another source (Zhukova et al. The Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) was first detected in specimens collected on Nov. 11, 2021, in Botswana. Omicron has outperformed the earlier Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta coronavirus variants since emerging in late 2021. Omicron has also given rise to many more contagious sub-variants. ", "New COVID-19 boosters could contain bits of the omicron variant", "SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant of Concern: Everything You Wanted to Know about Omicron but Were Afraid to Ask", "Structural and Functional Analysis of the D614G SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Variant", "Circulating SARS-CoV-2 spike N439K variants maintain fitness while evading antibody-mediated immunity", "Britain to help other countries track down coronavirus variants", "UK to help sequence mutations of Covid around world to find dangerous new variants", "SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance data can predict hospitalizations and ICU admissions", "Variant abundance estimation for SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater using RNA-Seq quantification", "Droplet Digital RT-PCR to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in wastewater", "U.K. variant puts spotlight on immunocompromised patients' role in the COVID-19 pandemic", "COVID Variants May Arise in People with Compromised Immune Systems", "Recurrent deletions in the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein drive antibody escape", "Covid-19 and evolutionary pressure can we predict which genetic dangers lurk beyond the horizon? It'll just take a moment. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett with Israel Police Commissioner Yaakov Shabtai at a press conference in Tel Aviv, Nov. 9, 2021. There is some preliminary evidence suggesting the omicron variant is more infectious than the delta variant, says Bollinger. To avoid a repeat of this mistake, the classification of new variants is akin to hurricane nomenclature, with alphabetic naming of significant new variants. Israel holds national drill to prepare for lethal Omega COVID-19 variant. Currently, the European Region is the epicentre of the pandemic. Experts also recommended masking, physical distancing, and other mitigation strategies. ", "COVID-19 | A.P. Omicron is . CDC uses viral genomic surveillance to quickly identify and track COVID-19 variants, and acts upon these findings to protect the publics health. What's the dominant COVID variant? When you receive a COVID-19 test, you won't find out which variant caused your infection. Read about our approach to external linking. Over the course of a week, the researchers observed both the infected and virus-naive dogs, but could not detect any visible symptoms. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), Fever treatment: Quick guide to treating a fever, Fight coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission at home. Masks are required inside all of our care facilities. CDC is working with many public health officials and partners to monitor all variants. COVID is a dangerous . This article was medically reviewed by Yale School of Public Health epidemiologist Nathan Grubaugh, PhD. How do COVID-19 antibody tests differ from diagnostic tests? If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. She said these evolutionary changes were like "stepping stones", as the virus evolves to find new ways of bypassing the body's defence mechanisms. With the situation in much of the rest of the world worsening with respect to the pandemic, said Bennett, Israel is safe and protected. But, he added, to maintain this and safeguard the continuity of normal life, we must continue to closely monitor the situation and prepare for any scenario.. Do COVID-19 vaccines protect against the variants? Bollinger and Ray say the next few weeks will provide even more clarity, and address some questions. That's because COVID-19 tests only detect the presence of the virus they don't determine the variant. When a virus has one or more new mutations its called a variant of the original virus. COVID-19 vaccine: Should I reschedule my mammogram? People should continue to be careful," Dr. Rupp says. However, the revised figure still represents a sharp increase from only 4% of cases at the start of December. Debbie writes, "Will any COVID variant give you long-term COVID symptoms?". Our ability to cover the most important issues in Israel and throughout the Jewish worldwithout the standard media biasdepends on the support of committed readers. "The original omicron variant is gone now," says Dr. Rupp. If they do not, I am confident that we will be able to quickly modify the current MAbs to address this, he says. In Western nations like the United States, Omega-3 Index values average 4-5%. If infection between species and individuals is repeated, the possibility of another variant increases, expert said. Those variants must be monitored more carefully. Over the course of the pandemic, CDC has established multiple pathways to generate and share viral genomic sequence data using publicly accessible databases. According to the study, Sars-CoV-2 or Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers-CoV) can be transmitted to other species, and the team has suggested that the use of animal vaccines should be considered to prevent the reverse zoonosis of pets. The Spanish press reported infections of their royal family (even though British royals were suffering at the same time), thereby creating a label that persists to this day. This content does not have an Arabic version. You are now subscribed to our newsletters. The great news is that these proven public health strategies continue to work against new variants as well. According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates, nearly 28% of Covid cases in the US in the first week of January were caused by XBB.1.5. CDC twenty four seven. Since many are using home tests that are not reported through public health or are not testing at all, the official case counts underestimate the actual prevalence of COVID-19. Most people experience cold-like symptoms. We will know more in the coming weeks about how well the rapid at-home tests perform to detect the new variant. That means that, in addition to staying up-to-date with their vaccines, people were advised to practice such strategies as washing hands, wearing masks, and maintaining a physical distance from one another, especially when indoors in places where there was substantial or high transmission. Prof Barclay said she was not especially concerned about the general UK population because there was "no indication" that XBB.1.5 would "break through" the protection against severe illness provided by vaccines. Scientists have said a new Covid variant that carries an "extremely high number" of mutations may drive further waves of disease by evading the body's defences. Most changes have little to no impact on the virus' properties. Over the course of the pandemic, CDC has established multiple pathways to generate and share viral genomic sequence data using publicly accessible . COVID-19 testing in California is free to anyone who needs it. Nearly 1,600 New Yorkers have died due to COVID-19 since Dec. 1 as the new highly contagious XBB.1.5 variant took hold, and experts now warn outbreaks may only get worse during a post-holiday wave . Severity: Delta caused more severe disease than other variants in people who werent vaccinated. First came the alpha variant, first detected in the United Kingdom, that was more transmissible and caused the surges . Snopes is still fighting an "infodemic" of . We are not closing up shop. Neither are we closing down the management systems and the order of battle against the virus. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Many of these variants mutations have little or no impact on how the virus affects humans. But the WHO said there was no indication so far that it was more serious or harmful than previous Omicron variants. This content does not have an English version. As mentioned, it is the Delta variant that is dominating transmission in the European Region and responding to it should be our priority right now. Dr. Anthony Fauci warned Tuesday that there could be a future COVID-19 variant that would be highly transmissible something he called a "monster variant.". As of February 18, 2023, XBB.1.5, also called kraken, is the dominant variant in Nebraska, making up 44% of cases. No vaccine is 100% effective, and Delta caused breakthrough infections in some fully vaccinated people. The following article is an opinion piece written by Michael S Kinch. BOSTON Dr. Mallika Marshall is answering your medical questions. The original strain of Omicron was more transmissible than Delta was. "Our results demonstrate that the dogs were susceptible to infection with and could transmit both strains to other dogs through direct contact," the study found. You can review and change the way we collect information below. Even if an infection caused by a particular variant is less likely to cause severe disease compared to other variants, an increase in the total number of cases could cause an increase in hospitalizations, put more strain on healthcare resources, and potentially lead to more deaths. March 2, 2023 / 5:56 PM Susceptible individuals: S(t) In our model, the susceptible individuals gets exposed to infection, and move to exposed group E(t), from coming in contact with an infected . https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/science-briefs/scientific-brief-omicron-variant.html. An analysis of the lungs showed microscopic lesions were present in both the infected and transmission canines. Begin Exploring Women's Health Solutions at Mayo Clinic Store. 2022; doi: 10.1056/NEJMc2201849. This is especially true if a new variant is more aggressive, highly transmissible, vaccine-resistant, able to cause more severe diseaseor all of the above, compared with the original strain of the virus. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? Update on omicron. Initial data for the omicron XE variant suggests that the growth rate (that is, the proportion of new infections in the population) is slightly higher than that of omicron BA.2. Getting vaccinated and getting a COVID-19 booster, hand-washing and avoiding large indoor gatherings, especially with unmasked people, are other ways to mitigate the risk of infection. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Because information about COVID-19 changes rapidly, we encourage you to visit the websites of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and your state and local government for the latest information. Statement on Omicron sublineage BA.2. Knowing what variants are circulating in California informs public health and clinical action. How is China trying to beat its latest Covid surge? There are currently more than 34,679 cases reported in the United States per day, with test positivity of 10%. Related: New coronavirus omicron variant triggers travel bans from African nations, including by U.S. After convening a group of experts to assess the data, the U.N. health agency said that . As genetic changes happen over time, the virus that causes COVID-19 begins to form genetic lineages. On fait le point. Download the Mint app and read premium stories. The original Omicron strain (BA.1) was first identified in Botswana and South Africa in late November 2021, and cases quickly began to surface and multiply in other countries. But if you identify with pure awareness, you are eternal/god. It is yet another offshoot of the globally-dominant Omicron Covid variant. Delta(B.1.617.2) was first identified in India in late 2020; it soon spread throughout the world, becoming what was the predominant version of the coronavirusuntil Omicron took its place in mid-December. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. Therefore, it is time to consider the use of animal vaccines to prevent the reverse zoonosis of pets. Naming schemes developed by other . The Omicron variant (B.1.1.529), a new variant of the coronavirus, was first reported in Botswana on November 11, 2021, and appeared on November 14 in South Africa. strain at least 15 times more virulent", "N440k Covid Variant: Mutant N440K 10 times more infectious than parent strain | Hyderabad News", " SARS-CoV-2 13", "Mutations in spike putatively linked to outbreak at Danish mink farms", "Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (formerly known as Wuhan coronavirus and 2019-nCoV) what we can find out on a structural bioinformatics level", "Serine 477 plays a crucial role in the interaction of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with the human receptor ACE2", "BioNTech: We aspire to individualize cancer medicine", "People Are Talking About A 'Double Mutant' Variant In India. The CDC says that while breakthrough infections in vaccinated people are expected, getting vaccinated and staying up to date with your vaccine and the latest booster shot is the best protection against Omicron. There are currently more than 34,679 cases reported in the United States per day, with test positivity of 10%. COVID-19 vaccines for kids: What you need to know, COVID-19 vs. flu: Similarities and differences. Some variations allow the virus to spread more easily or make it resistant to treatments or vaccines. The State of Israel is in an excellent situation. Evidence shows those vaccinated and boosted continue to be protected against severe disease, hospitalization, and death even with the latest variants. A recent study conducted by South Korean researchers has found that certain variants of Covid-19, including the severe Delta variant, can be transmitted . How emerging variants could affect COVID-19 testing, vaccines and spread - Related Information, How emerging variants could affect COVID-19 testing, vaccines and spread, What do I need to know about the delta variant? . Accessed Jan. 3, 2021. This variant has been reported in 90% of all cases in that country. Stay up to date with your vaccines. Led by Professor Song Dae-sub of Seoul National Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine and researcher Yoo Kwang-soo of Jeonbuk National University, the study is the first of its kind to find transmission among dogs. Accessed March 25, 2022. Photo by Yossi Aloni/Flash90. If you think about a virus like a tree growing and branching out, each branch on the tree is slightly different than the others. We do not know yet how well the current MAbs will work for the omicron variant, but we will know very soon how well they neutralize omicron in the lab, Bollinger says. What variant could give you long-term COVID symptoms. The exercise, which is being conducted from a situation room in Jerusalem in the format of a war game, is designed to test national management of a new "Omega" strain, according to an official statement. It looks likely. These small differences, or variants, have been studied and identified since the beginning of the pandemic. AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Mother who killed her five children euthanised, Alex Murdaugh jailed for life for double murder, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, Zoom boss Greg Tomb fired without cause, US sues Exxon over nooses found at Louisiana plant, Biden had skin cancer lesion removed - White House. Nausea has always been a common Covid symptom, including with the Omicron variant, said Dr. The available commercial diagnostic PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and antigen COVID tests still appear to work to identify the omicron variant. The Omicron variant, which emerged in November 2021, has many lineages. Can vaccination prevent it? According to Bollinger and Ray, this is the most important question, and with so little data, a lot is still unknown. . These updated boosters are bivalent, meaning they offer protection against the latest omicron variants plus the original COVID-19 strain. Everyone 6 months and older should get an updated COVID-19 booster. However, omicron appears to cause less severe . cov-lineages/pango-designation", "Deltacron: what scientists know so far about this new hybrid coronavirus", "More Data Point to Lambda Variant's Potential Lethality", "SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant exhibits higher infectivity and immune resistance", "What Mutations of SARS-CoV-2 are Causing Concern? This is a subscriber only feature Subscribe Now to get daily updates on WhatsApp. If you've been exposed to someone with the virus or have COVID-19 symptoms and are waiting for a . A chart that surfaced online in summer 2021 accurately displayed COVID-19 variants and when they would first be detected and covered in news reports. In order for scientists to determine whether it's omicron or another coronavirus variant, the CDC uses genomic sequencing. SARS-CoV-2, like all viruses, seeks out hosts, whom it can subdue and manipulate to promote its propagation and thereby ensure its survival. Data has suggested that the original Omicron strain was less severe, in general, than previous variants, according to the CDC. Omega; There are only 24 Greek letters, so if more than . This "patient zero" is the first victim of an elaborate series of microscopic hijacking events. I am also confident that if we find that the current vaccines are not providing optimal protection against severe disease or death due to this variant, we will be able to quickly modify the current vaccines to address omicron.. 2023 BBC. 34,679 cases reported in the United States per day, with only about 16% of those who are eligible, View which vaccines are available at each location, Choose outdoor activities over indoor activities whenever possible, Stay home if you're sick or have symptoms of COVID-19. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Some changes and mutations allow the virus to spread more easily or make it resistant to treatments or vaccines. Some of them will be coming to a country near you - a country very near and very dear to you. The following article is an opinion piece written by Michael S Kinch. Lighter. Aug 4, 2021, 05:45 AM EDT | Updated Aug 4, 2021. A practicing physician Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Dr. Marshall serves on staff at Harvard Medical School and practices at Massachusetts General Hospital at the MGH Chelsea Urgent Care and the MGH Revere Health Center, where she is currently working on the frontlines caring for patients with COVID-19. *AY.4.2is technically an offshoot of Delta and not itself a coronavirus variant. By comparing the branches, scientists can label them according to the differences. Omicron and its subvariants have ranked as the predominant SARS CoV-2 strains in the U.S for over a year now. Two other antiviral drugs, one from Merck and one from Pfizer, are under FDA review to see if they, too, can be authorized. Currently, the dominant variant nationwide is XBB.1.5, with 85% of cases, followed by BQ.1.1, with 9% of cases. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. How contagious is it? A century later, there remains considerable frustration in some circles given that the Spanish flu likely started in Kansas. That shift began with the Delta variant and has remained true of Omicron, says Tim Spector, a genetic epidemiologist who founded the consumer health company ZOE, which runs a COVID-19 symptom . Updated: Feb. 3, 2023]. But she is worried about the potential effect on the vulnerable, including the immunocompromised, who get less benefit from Covid jabs. Can vaccination prevent it? Tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants. In the United States, New York could be an emerging hotspot for the spread of XBB. In November 2021, a variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus emerged, and was named omicron by the World Health Organization (WHO). How contagious is it? Keep checking this story for updates on vaccination rates, latest data updates of new cases and the omicron variant, along with local and national headlines.Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in OklahomaThe Oklahoma State Department of Health announced it will no longer release daily COVID-19 situation updates as it moves toward the . This new variant is a reminder that we should be using multiple tools for the safety of ourselves and those for whom we care., Booster Shots and Third Doses for COVID-19 Vaccines, COVID Natural Immunity: What You Need to Know, Masks are required inside all of our care facilities, COVID-19 testing locations on Maryland.gov. But in the case of the omicron variant, the spike picked up 32 mutations that make it more difficult (though not impossible) for our immune system . Because of its recent emergence, scientists are just starting to learn about omicron, but intense research is quickly uncovering more insight on this variant and how its genetic changes might affect its spread and people who are infected with it. The SARS-CoV-2 virus can be mapped out similar to a family tree. https://www.who.int/en/activities/tracking-SARS-CoV-2-variants/. If a decision is made to add, remove, or change the category for any variant, the tables are updated to reflect this change. After 24 hours, the infected dogs were kept with virus-naive dogs in large animal isolators. A virologist explains", COG-UK update on SARS-CoV-2 Spike mutations of special interest: Report 1, "Researchers Discover New Variant of COVID-19 Virus in Columbus, Ohio", "N501S B.1.617.2 () ", "Coronavirus: Are mutations making it more infectious? The BA.2 sub-lineage of the Omicron variant now makes up nearly a quarter of new COVID-19 infections nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated Tuesday, up from around 1 . CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Sequencing can only be done at specialized labs. Although new variants are an expected part of the evolution of viruses, monitoring each one that surfaces is essential in ensuring wein the U.S. and globallyare prepared. https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions. What do I need to know about the delta variant? There was someevidenceto show vaccines were effective against AY.4.2. We beat the fourth wave and we are on our way to exiting the Delta variant, said Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, according to the statement. Predict the closing value of sensex and win free subscription. We have the tools to fight variants. Note: Information provided in Yale Medicine articles is for general informational purposes only. These boosters are designed to protect against disease caused by the original strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as the Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 (although experts are still learning about their effectiveness against the latest Omicron subvariants). By signing up, you are consenting to receive electronic messages from Nebraska Medicine. A major reason is Omicron has accumulated over 50 mutations, including about 30 in the spike protein, the part of the coronavirus that mRNA vaccines teach our immune systems to attack. When researchers in South Africa spotted a highly mutated strain of coronavirus driving the country's second wave in late 2020, they called it variant 501Y.V2. SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern as of 23 February 2023. If you do that, then there isn't anything that isn't god, including this divine bod See the latest genomic surveillance report for Nebraska. Some cases have also been recorded in the UK, so what do you need to know about XBB.1.5? Remdesivir is the only such antiviral drug currently authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat COVID-19. First published on March 2, 2023 / 5:56 PM. We still have a lot to learn about omicron, Ray says, but we have tools at hand that enable individuals to manage risk, including wearing a high-quality mask, or respirators. More information is available, Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), International Travel to and from the United States, Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers, Requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19 for Air Passengers Traveling to the United States from China, Hong Kong, or Macau, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. At the same time, however, we are always looking ahead and preparing for the continuation of the campaign. You are just one step away from creating your watchlist! KOCO 5 is keeping you updated on the COVID-19 pandemic in Oklahoma. Experts had been concerned about its several mutations and its potential to evade antibodies. But it could have been a lot worse. A recent study conducted by South Korean researchers has found that certain variants of Covid-19, including the severe Delta variant, can be transmitted between dogs. In the fall of 2021, there were surges even in the most vaccinated states, prompting experts to urge people to get their booster shots. This data can change over time as more information is available. BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron are not thought to be any more lethal than other types of Covid.
When test positivity is above 5%, transmission . These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. Register for FREE to listen to this article. Those rated FFP2 or FFP3 are more protective than cloth masks, and often easier to wear. It is time to consider the use of animal vaccines to prevent the reverse zoonosis of pets.". https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Meaning 'little o' in Greek, Omicron has been given a big platform with its designation as the latest Covid-19 variant of concern; Unlike other Greek letters, its use in mathematics, science . Sometimes, variants of the virus may develop. All three vaccines in the U.S. were considered highly effective against severe illness, hospitalizations, and death from Delta. However, continued studies will reveal more about these mutations and potential impact the drugs may have on their viral replication.. Increased affinity for particular demographic or clinical groups, such as children or immunocompromised individuals. BQ.1 is second, with 15%of Nebraska cases. Yes, the latest Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus is bad. What you need to know about variants. Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. Efficacy reduction against symptomatic disease, Lineage B.1 in the PANGO Lineages nomenclature system; includes, BQ.1 and BQ.1.1: BA.5 + S:R346T, S:K444T, S:N460K, BA.2.75: BA.2 + S:K147E, S:W152R, S:F157L, S:I210V, S:G257S, S:D339H, S:G446S, S:N460K, S:Q493R reversion, Recombinant of BA.2.10.1 and BA.2.75 sublineages, i.e. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, several coronavirus variants have emerged as the virus, SARS-CoV-2, continues to mutate and evolve. If the coronavirus has one . But it has also noted that surges in cases may lead to significant increases in hospitalizations and deaths, as they did during the variants spread in the beginning of 2022, when the estimated death rates went as high or higher than they were at the time of the Delta variant surge in the previous autumn. South Africa stopped offering the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine (which is not available in the U.S.) early in 2021 after clinical trials showed it did not provide strong protection against mild and moderate disease from the Beta variant. For the most up to date information about current variants, visit CDC's COVID Data Tracker . Lots of people have built up some immunity from past infections and vaccination, which is helping to make the . Cookies used to enable you to share pages and content that you find interesting on CDC.gov through third party social networking and other websites. His concern was for countries like China, where there was both low take-up of vaccines and little natural immunity because of prolonged lockdowns. But if the variant . New lineages continue to emerge and spread in the United States and globally. If youre considering vaccination, you may be concerned about the long-term risks. "China needs to share clinical information on people infected in order to see how the variant behaves in a non-immune population," Prof Heymann said. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. All rights reserved. As the virus spreads, it may change and become harder to stop. A Doomsday COVID Variant Worse Than Delta and Lambda May Be Coming, Scientists Say. World Health Organization.