Can Infect Others While Asymptomatic
Generation Time 2.8?3.4 Days... Shorter Than Delta
On the 12th, citizens are waiting for COVID-19 testing at a temporary screening clinic set up in World Cup Park, Mapo-gu.
[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] It has been confirmed that the COVID-19 'Omicron' variant virus infects without an incubation period just one day after contact with a confirmed case and spreads to others. Additionally, it has been reported that one out of four suspected Omicron variant cases in South Korea was 'asymptomatic,' causing health authorities to be on high alert.
According to Jeollanam-do on the 13th, 83 people in Jeonnam were confirmed with COVID-19 in one day. Among the confirmed cases, 18 residents of Hampyeong were classified as suspected Omicron variant patients, and through detailed testing, three Omicron infections have been confirmed so far.
The infection was investigated to have spread to Hampyeong through a chain infection (secondary infection) starting from a foreigner who was infected with the Omicron variant after entering the country from Jeonbuk and isolating with family, then transmitting it to family members, a daycare center, and a family gathering in Seoul.
In the case of the Hampyeong Omicron confirmed patient, it is estimated that the infection occurred at a family gathering held in Seoul on the 4th and 5th. The next day, through going to work and attending daycare, others were also infected, showing a different pattern from previous infections. Contact, infection, and transmission occurred in less than a day before meeting others.
Among the confirmed cases classified as suspected Omicron, it is reported that six people work at public institutions such as the Hampyeong County Health Center.
◆ One out of four confirmed or suspected Omicron cases in South Korea is 'asymptomatic'
Meanwhile, among the four confirmed or suspected Omicron variant infections in South Korea, one was 'asymptomatic' at the time of diagnosis, and there were cases where asymptomatic individuals infected others.
The Central Disease Control Headquarters announced on the 13th that, after analyzing the epidemiological characteristics of 123 domestic Omicron variant-related cases (90 confirmed, 33 suspected), 24.4% were diagnosed with Omicron variant infection while asymptomatic.
Symptomatic patients mainly showed early symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and cough, and currently, all are maintaining mild conditions.
The average incubation period of the Omicron variant is 4.2 days, and the average generation time, which refers to the period from the onset of symptoms in a preceding confirmed case to the onset of symptoms in an additional confirmed case, was recorded as 2.8 to 3.4 days. This is shorter than the generation time of the previously dominant Delta variant, which was 2.9 to 6.3 days, suggesting that the Omicron variant likely has higher transmissibility.
Meanwhile, as of midnight on the 13th, the total number of people classified as epidemiologically related to Omicron cases is 139 (114 infected, 25 suspected).
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