From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Dec 6: The genomic sequence analysis report from the two detected omicron cases in Karnataka is yet to be received, said State Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar, while pointing out that the severity of the infection was very mild.

“Omicron intensity is lower if two-doses of vaccine is taken,’’ said the minister while speaking to media in Bengaluru on Monday.

He also pointed out that those who were infected with Omicron in Karnataka, have no health problem or symptoms.

Dr Sudhakar said only two cases were found in Karnataka. The genomics sequence report of those in contact with the infected has not yet arrived. New infections have been discovered in other states.

The primary and secondary contacts of the infected too are found to have no problems or symptoms, he said.

The infected person is being treated at the Bowring Hospital, the minister pointing out that he is in regular contact with the hospital director. Those who came in contact with the Omicron infected have received both vaccine doses, he said.

Severity of Omicron infection will be low in those who have taken two-dose vaccine. The mild symptoms off the contacts of the infected stands proof of this.

Single dose not enough, 2 doses must

“Single dose of vaccine will not provide complete immunity. It develops only when both doses are taken, he said. Minister urged every eligible to mandatorily take vaccine at the earliest,’’ he said.

Dr Sudhakar said in the case Omicron, there is no big explanation and not much worry about. We have encountered a Delta mutant that was more worrisome than this.

“Compared to the Delta variant, the Omicron is creating anxiety only in terms of its spread,’’ he explained.

Severity of omicron infection is not seen anywhere in the world. Countries with a high incidence of Omicron infections, including Botswana and South Africa, too have not witnessed any severe cases. The symptoms of this virus are mild. Thus, there is no need to worry, he stated.

He made it clear that precaution is essential as it spreads very quickly. Vaccination is necessary to stop the spread. The percentage of people who have taken first dose vaccine in Karnataka is over 93% and that of 2nd dose is 64%.

State has 70 lakh doses of stock

Karnataka ranks third in the country in vaccination coverage. The vaccine program is scheduled to be completed by the end of December, he said pointing out that the State still has about 70 lakh vaccine stock. Everyone should voluntarily get vaccinated.

“The Central government will take a decision on international flights. Apart from this, World Health Organization is also studying cases in different countries. With comprehensive report Central Government will decide future course of action, he said.

Reconsideration at the history of any pandemic will show that the 2nd wave is always huge and the 3rd wave is less impactful while there are some historical evidences for this.

The delta variant had no effect on children. Omicron intensity is low compared to delta. Scientists and experts are saying that even if children are infected, it will have very less effect, he added.