New Covid-19 variant being monitored, but no resurgence of cases
Authorities are monitoring a new Covid-19 variant.
However, this has not resulted in a resurgence of cases in South Africa.
South Africa has also seen a seasonal increase in influenza.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said South Africa is monitoring a new Covid-19 variant, but has not seen a resurgence in cases.
Motsoaledi said that the new variant, known as Nimbus or NB.1.8.1, has been linked to a resurgence of cases in parts of Asia.
'The World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated this a variant under monitoring due to its growing presence,' he added.
Speaking at the G20 Health Working Group Meeting on Tuesday, Motsoaledi said that South Africa continues to have robust surveillance systems in place.
'Our National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) manages a comprehensive Sentinel Surveillance programme that systematically tests for key respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV. Currently, our data shows very low SARS-CoV-2 activity,' Motsoaledi said.
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He added that while there had been a seasonal increase in influenza, his department was 'well prepared to manage this' and that Covid-19 vaccinations should still prove effective.
'Crucially, the new variant remains a descendant of the Omicron lineage,' he said.
This means that current recommendations for updated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are still effective. Therefore, at this stage, no specific new public health actions are required from the public.
'We continue to advocate for maintaining good hygiene practices – such as handwashing, covering coughs, and staying home when unwell. These simple measures are effective in reducing the spread of all respiratory illnesses. We will continue to monitor the situation closely through our established networks and will report any significant changes.'
A circular from the WHO shows that there has been a slight increase in the spread of Covid-19 in some regions due to the new variant.
The WHO is closely observing the new variant and said that, while its unique mutations may slightly impact its contagiousness, current Covid-19 vaccines were still expected to provide strong protection. The WHO said there was no evidence that this variant caused more severe illnesses than previous ones.
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