Omicron Infectivity '1.5 Times' Stealth Variant... "Low Possibility of Causing Severe Disease"

4.5% of Confirmed Cases from Overseas Inflow Are Infections Among Domestic Inflow

On the morning of the 27th, medical staff are collecting specimens at the screening clinic of Songpa-gu Public Health Center in Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] The 'stealth variant,' known to be more contagious than Omicron, has recently been detected in South Korea as well, but experts say the risks of the stealth variant remain unclear.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 27th (local time), the stealth variant has been found in at least 40 countries, including the United Kingdom, Denmark, India, and Sweden.

Theodora Hatziioannou, a virology professor at Rockefeller University in the United States, explained, "Stealth Omicron (BA.2) is related to the currently widespread Omicron (BA.1). The stealth variant and Omicron are mutations derived from the same virus and emerged around the same time."

She added, "The stealth variant and Omicron variant show differences in the spike protein."

Professor Hatziioannou said, "In Denmark, cases of stealth variant infections have been found more frequently than Omicron infections," adding, "The stealth variant is becoming the dominant strain in Denmark."

WSJ reported that it is still unclear whether the symptoms of stealth variant infections differ substantially from those of Omicron. The outlet stated, "Although the stealth variant is more transmissible than other variant viruses, it is less likely to lead to severe illness."

Denmark's Statens Serum Institut stated, "According to analysis results, there is almost no difference in hospitalization rates between the stealth variant and Omicron."

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said, "The stealth variant is spreading worldwide, but there is no evidence that it is more severe than Omicron. We continue to monitor variant viruses detected domestically and internationally."

Meanwhile, the stealth variant has also entered South Korea. As of the previous day, 4.5% of overseas-imported COVID-19 confirmed cases were infected with the stealth variant.