Epidemiologic Features and Containment of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant

Since the first case of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant discovered in South Africa was reported to the WHO on November 24, 2021, a total of 57 countries (regions) had reported Omicron cases as of December 8, 2021. Omicron has become the dominant strain in some African countries and is spreading rapidly. Although Omicron causes mild symptoms, with most cases being asymptomatic and mild, the rapid increase in the number of cases could put a heavy strain on global health systems. In addition, its source, transmission characteristics and vaccine resistance remain unclear, which brings great challenges to pandemic prevention and control in all countries (regions) . We reviewed the latest developments in etiological characteristics, mutation sources, transmission characteristics and possible mechanisms, pandemic status, vaccine protection effect and containment measures regarding Omicron, providing a reference for scientific containment of Omicron mutant.