The cases of Omicron variant of the coronavirus in Bangladesh have jumped to 69, with five more infections detected till Sunday, according to GISAID, a primary source that provides open access to genomic data of Coronavirus.
The latest cases were detected at the lab of the Dhaka-based international health research institute icddr,b.
Scientists can confirm if a case is positive with Omicron or Delta by looking closely at the genetic material provided through testing.
On December 11, Bangladesh reported its first two cases of the Omicron variant in two members of the Bangladesh women cricket team.
They had returned from Zimbabwe after taking part in the ICC Women's World Cup qualifiers. The event was, however, called off midway due to the surge of Omicron.
Doctors in South Africa, the continent's most developed country, were the first to alert the world of this new variant.
DGHS: Omicron gradually replacing Delta
Omicron is gradually replacing Delta through community transmission in Bangladesh, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said Sunday.
The variant is spreading at the community level, and its symptoms have similarities with that of seasonal flu, DGHS spokesperson Dr Md Nazmul Islam said.
At least 73% of patients who contracted the Omicron variant of the coronavirus in have reported a runny nose, according to the senior health official.
Many Omicron patients also suffer from headaches, lethargy, tiredness and sneezing.
Headaches were reported among 68% of patients, while 64% reported feeling tired or lethargic.
At least 60%of patients are sneezing or have throat pain, while 44% have coughs.
“We must pay attention to these symptoms as they are similar to those of the seasonal flu. Therefore, we must consult doctors before getting any medical treatment,” he said.
If people keep disregarding hygiene rules, the number of Covid-19 patients will keep increasing, overwhelming the healthcare system, added Islam. “The Delta variant is still dominant in Bangladesh but the Omicron variant will gradually overtake it.”
According to the DGHS, at least 1.6 million coronavirus cases were reported across the country as of Saturday. The death toll from the disease stands at 28,209.
