The new SARS-CoV-2 variant, B.1.1.529 first reported in South Africa, classified as a "Variant of Concern" by the World Health Or…

Question

The new SARS-CoV-2 variant, B.1.1.529 first reported in South Africa, classified as a "Variant of Concern" by the World Health Organization is named as:

1. A. Delta plus
2. B. Gamma
3. C. Omicron (Correct answer)
4. D. Alpha

Correct Answer

Option C — Omicron

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Omicron.

Key Points

• The SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.529, first detected in Botswana and South Africa in November 2021, was designated a Variant of Concern (VOC) by the WHO on November 26, 2021, and named Omicron (the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet).
• Omicron had an unprecedented number of mutations in the spike protein, making it highly transmissible.
• The Delta Plus variant is a sub-lineage of Delta, Gamma is another VOC, and Alpha was the first major VOC from the UK -- none of these are B.1.1.529.