Morocco is experiencing a peak in new COVID-19 infections, dominated by increased circulation of the Omicron’s BA.5 subvariant.
Hespress EN spoke to the medical researcher on health policies Tayeb Hamdi to clarify misconceptions surrounding the new variant.
“Morocco has already witnessed a peak in infections with the outbreak of Omicron’s BA.1 by the end of 2021, and then BA.2 which is more transmissible than BA.1,” he explained.
“BA.5 is therefore highly transmissible compared to the first two subvariants,” the Doctor added.
“Unlike the previous subvariants, the vast majority of people infected with the current subvariant are symptomatic,” he further specified.
“On the epidemic level, it is good that the virus manifests itself in symptoms, so that people can get tested,” he added.
Hamdi further stated that this subvariant is more contagious, the symptoms are stronger than BA.1, and with a longer disease duration of 7 days, instead of 4 days.
What are the symptoms of BA.5 subvariant infection?
Doctor Hamdi said this subvariant shows up in different symptoms, including headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, cough, loss of taste and smell, in addition to new symptoms, such as digestive problems, diarrhea, vomiting, or both, and also dizziness.
“Once individuals experience 2 or 3 symptoms, they should isolate themselves and get tested so they don’t infect others, especially those with underlying health conditions,” he added.
The Doctor expects that there will be an increase in cases in the upcoming weeks, following the mass gathering of citizens, calling on people with underlying health conditions to receive the booster shot, wear masks, and avoid indoor places.
“This wave will see two peaks in infections until August, and then a decrease in cases,” he estimated.
Hamdi also called on Moroccan authorities to enable people with underlying health conditions to receive a second booster shot, which is the 4th shot for more protection.
“The Moroccan government will unlikely reimpose restrictions, despite the spike in cases, as the population developed a hybrid immunity system, namely the vaccination, and previous infection with the virus,” the Doctor concluded.
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