11 Apr 2022

Investigations into the properties and characteristics of the new coronavirus mutations recently detected in Botswana and three other countries are ongoing, Ministry of Health and Wellness has announced.

In a media release, the ministry says it is collaborating with regional and international stakeholders in studying the mutations, now noted as a new sub-lineage of the Omicron variant.

“So far, no conclusions have been made yet in relation to whether or not the sub-lineage is more deadly and more transmissible  than the known Omicron variant. Similarly, investigations on whether COVID-19 vaccines are effective against this  sub lineage are ongoing,”  says the release.

It says in Botswana, the mutations have so far been detected in four people aged between 30 and 50, two of them non-residents with a recent travel history.

All fully vaccinated, the four have been experiencing only mild symptoms, says the release.

In an interview, the ministry’s public relations officer Dr Christopher Nyanga said since investigations were still at an early stage, no distinct symptoms peculiar to the variant had been identified.

The four cases are currently being monitored to gather more information about the potential impact on disease and severity.

“The preliminary finding of the variant which was detected last week has been designated as Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 and scientists are still studying it with a view to appropriately classify it,” said Dr Nyanga.

He said though no conclusions had been made, of great concern was  the resemblance of the strain’s characteristics to the Delta variant which was associated with increased virus replication and resistance to neutralizing antibodies.

Meanwhile, the ministry has advised the public not to panic but rather to continue being vigilant by following  COVID-19 health protocols pending further guidance from the World Health Organisation.

It encourages the public to vaccinate and take booster shots when due.

“This is important because in the event new variants of COVID-19 emerge and spark a new wave of infections such as the fifth wave, the impact may be more severe for the unvaccinated,” it states.ENDS