Iraqi Health Ministry warns of rapid spread of Omicron variant

On Tuesday, the Federal Ministry of Health confirmed that most of those hospitalized are unvaccinated, warning of the rapid spread of the new Omicron mutant in Iraq.

The Ministry of Health said in a statement that Iraq is witnessing a rapid increase in the number of infections due to the spread of the new Omicron mutant, which was accompanied by an increase in the number of hospital admissions, knowing that most of the patients currently in hospitals are not vaccinated.

The ministry confirmed the full readiness of its health institutions to deal with this new accelerating wave in terms of providing all the medicines and medical supplies necessary to treat the patients, noting that "all vaccination outlets continue to give vaccines.

The Ministry of Health also called on unvaccinated citizens to rush to health centers in all governorates of Iraq to receive the vaccine, as it now represents the most effective way to prevent or reduce infection with the new mutant.

It also urged citizens to take the necessary preventive measures, avoid crowded places, adhere to wearing masks, social distancing, and stay away from large gatherings.

Covid cases have recently surged in Iraq after the health authorities recorded the new Omicron variant in the country. On Tuesday, the Health Ministry announced over 6,000 new cases throughout the country.

The Omicron variant was first reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) on November 24 and was designated as a variant of concern two days later as it spread to several countries.

According to WHO, Omicron causes milder symptoms than the Delta variant.

So far, Iraq has recorded 2,125,266 cases and 24,262 deaths since the outbreak of the pandemic.



PUKmedia