South African medical association says Omicron cases are “mild”

The new Omicron variant of the coronavirus causes mild disease without prominent symptoms, according to the South African Medical Association (SAMA).

In a statement to the BBC, head of the SAMA Angelique Coetzee said that as of yet, the cases recorded in South Africa are not severe.

Noting that only 24% of the South Africa population has been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, the health expert stressed that research into the new variant is in its first stages.

According to Coetzee’s statement, younger patients suffered mostly from muscle aches and fatigue.

The Omicron variant was first detected in South Africa and dubbed a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization.