Doctor Who First Discovered 'Omicron' Warns "More People Could Get Sick... Don't Ignore It Because Symptoms Are Mild"

"Vaccinated Individuals Experience Milder Symptoms and Faster Recovery"

Passengers captured by the thermal imaging camera installed in the arrival hall of Incheon International Airport. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] A doctor from South Africa, who first reported the new COVID-19 variant 'Omicron,' said, "Do not ignore mild symptoms and seek medical care."

Earlier, Dr. Angelique Coetzee began to suspect when patients with symptoms different from those of the Delta variant started flooding in. He explained the symptoms at the time, saying, "(Patients presumed to have the Delta variant) did not lose their sense of smell or taste, nor did they have a runny nose," adding, "This was different from the Delta variant."

Angelique Kuche, President of the South African Medical Association.
Photo by South African Medical Association

He requested a detailed analysis from local health authorities on the 18th of last month, and the new variant was ultimately confirmed.

In an interview with SBS on the 1st, Dr. Coetzee was asked about concerns that the situation could worsen soon. He said, "I completely agree. We may see more people getting sick." He added, "That is because they are older and have chronic illnesses."

He also explained, "Like the Delta variant, those vaccinated against Omicron showed milder symptoms and recovered faster."

Furthermore, he emphasized to the Korean public preparing for Omicron, "Wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and getting vaccinated. Those are the measures you can take."

Meanwhile, according to domestic quarantine authorities on the afternoon of the 1st, a couple in their 40s residing in Incheon who had visited Nigeria tested positive for the Omicron variant. This is the first confirmed case of Omicron infection in Korea. The couple is known to have completed the Moderna vaccination.