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Posted December 1, 2021, 3:00 PM
A first case of Omicron variant detected in Geneva
Geneva authorities have announced that a traveler returning from South Africa has tested positive for the new variant. A second could be in the same case.
Lucien FORTUNATI
A first case of the Omicron variant was detected at the end of the lake, the Geneva Council of State announced on Wednesday. Tests carried out on one case confirmed the suspicions. The positive person had returned ten days ago from a stay in South Africa, before the announcement of the discovery of said variant by scientists in the country. The patient had performed a PCR test on November 24 due to symptoms. Positive, he was placed in solitary confinement, but no contact was placed in quarantine after the entourage investigation.
A second suspected case
A second case of a person infected with the variant is strongly suspected, as a person traveling with the positive patient was also infected and placed in isolation. But it was not possible to carry out a sequencing of his sample. The two affected people are not vaccinated.
Since the announcement of the new variant, a specific procedure has been put in place in Geneva to identify suspected cases. An in-depth entourage investigation is then carried out for the proven cases. Close contact cases are quarantined and tested. Cantonal doctor Aglaé Tardin nevertheless explained that it was not possible, from a logistical point of view, to search for the Omicron variant for all positive cases, numbering around 500 per day in Geneva. "We do this in case of suspicion or return from a trip."
The dangerousness of Omicron unknown
Aglaé Tardin indicated that it was now a question of "saving time", in particular through travel restrictions. These are intended to slow the introduction of Omicron in Switzerland and slow its spread until "scientific evidence" emerges. “This is to answer the question: are infections due to this variant more severe? There, it is too early to have reliable interpretations and to choose the right course to follow. " According to the doctor, it will take "a few weeks" to determine if the variant represents a threat, then "a few weeks or a few months" to, if necessary, adapt the vaccine.
The danger is Delta
In the meantime, "Delta remains the present and worrying variant," she recalled, as did State Councilor Mauro Poggia, who once again urged the population to be vaccinated. "It would be a serious mistake to wait for a new vaccine to do so," Aglaé Tardin said. It is Delta who, today, sends people to the hospital. ” The third dose is intended in particular to fight against it. The question, not scientifically resolved to date, to know which of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine would be the most effective against Omicron is therefore of little relevance in the state, judges the doctor. In any case, she recommends avoiding the crossing between the two RNA vaccines. "We can do it, but asking for it is not a good idea."
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https://www.lematin.ch/story/un-premier-cas-de-variant-omicron-detecte-a-geneve-601130080324
Posted December 1, 2021, 3:00 PM
A first case of Omicron variant detected in Geneva
Geneva authorities have announced that a traveler returning from South Africa has tested positive for the new variant. A second could be in the same case.
Lucien FORTUNATI
A first case of the Omicron variant was detected at the end of the lake, the Geneva Council of State announced on Wednesday. Tests carried out on one case confirmed the suspicions. The positive person had returned ten days ago from a stay in South Africa, before the announcement of the discovery of said variant by scientists in the country. The patient had performed a PCR test on November 24 due to symptoms. Positive, he was placed in solitary confinement, but no contact was placed in quarantine after the entourage investigation.
A second suspected case
A second case of a person infected with the variant is strongly suspected, as a person traveling with the positive patient was also infected and placed in isolation. But it was not possible to carry out a sequencing of his sample. The two affected people are not vaccinated.
Since the announcement of the new variant, a specific procedure has been put in place in Geneva to identify suspected cases. An in-depth entourage investigation is then carried out for the proven cases. Close contact cases are quarantined and tested. Cantonal doctor Aglaé Tardin nevertheless explained that it was not possible, from a logistical point of view, to search for the Omicron variant for all positive cases, numbering around 500 per day in Geneva. "We do this in case of suspicion or return from a trip."
The dangerousness of Omicron unknown
Aglaé Tardin indicated that it was now a question of "saving time", in particular through travel restrictions. These are intended to slow the introduction of Omicron in Switzerland and slow its spread until "scientific evidence" emerges. “This is to answer the question: are infections due to this variant more severe? There, it is too early to have reliable interpretations and to choose the right course to follow. " According to the doctor, it will take "a few weeks" to determine if the variant represents a threat, then "a few weeks or a few months" to, if necessary, adapt the vaccine.
The danger is Delta
In the meantime, "Delta remains the present and worrying variant," she recalled, as did State Councilor Mauro Poggia, who once again urged the population to be vaccinated. "It would be a serious mistake to wait for a new vaccine to do so," Aglaé Tardin said. It is Delta who, today, sends people to the hospital. ” The third dose is intended in particular to fight against it. The question, not scientifically resolved to date, to know which of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine would be the most effective against Omicron is therefore of little relevance in the state, judges the doctor. In any case, she recommends avoiding the crossing between the two RNA vaccines. "We can do it, but asking for it is not a good idea."
...
https://www.lematin.ch/story/un-premier-cas-de-variant-omicron-detecte-a-geneve-601130080324
