Even as omicron cases rise, South African experts find good news
South African scientists say the omicron variant is the most contagious to hit the country, but is causing fewer severe cases than other variants.
Africa
What omicron's fast spread could mean for the U.S. – and the world
The variant has spread through South Africa with remarkable speed — and been detected in at least 60 other countries. Specialists are trying to figure out the next stage for this unwelcome variant.
Opinion: I want my mom to see her grandkids for Christmas. Travel bans make it tough
Jacqueline Muna Musiitwa was planning for her mom to fly from Zambia to the U.S. for Christmas. Ever-changing travel bans are making it seem like a holiday dream that won't come true.
Studies suggest sharp drop in vaccine protection vs. omicron — yet cause for optimism
In small studies in South Africa and in Germany, the results indicate a marked decrease in the ability of vaccines to neutralize this variant. But there are other findings that are encouraging.
Opinion: I'm shocked by the racist cartoons and travel bans sparked by omicron
The variant is bringing out the worst in some Western governments and global media outlets, says Dr. Ifeanyi Nsofor, a global health advocate in Nigeria.
Africa is struggling with low vaccination rate
Ayesha Rascoe asks epidemiologist Saad Omer of the Yale Institute for Global Health about the challenges many poorer nations still face in their vaccination efforts.
South Africa is seeing a 4th surge of COVID-19 that's being driven by omicron
South Africa's health ministry says the rate of infection is the highest since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The mystery of where omicron came from — and why it matters
How did this new strain of the novel coronavirus evolve? Researchers are investigating various possibilities. One leading theory involves ... just one person.
African leaders condemn travel restrictions as omicron variant spreads globally
African nations are bristling at the restrictions imposed on them by rich countries — and say they are harmful to local economies and discriminate against countries in the region.
Why some researchers think the omicron variant could be the most infectious one yet
Preliminary data about omicron suggests the variant became widespread across southern Africa in a very short period of time. Scientists say its many mutations may play a role in its transmissibility.