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What you should know about new coronavirus variant? A doctor’s perspective
There is a new coronavirus variant in town. KP.2, a member of the so-called FliRT variants, nicknamed after their mutations, has become the dominant coronavirus strain in the United States, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These FliRT variants have certain mutations in common but are still part of the Omicron family of the coronavirus.
For the period from April 28 to May 11, nearly 30% of new cases were caused by KP.2, up from less than 16% in the two-week period before that.
What should people know about this new variant? What are the symptoms of infection? Do vaccines still work against the new strain? Is a home test still reliable? How long should people isolate if they contract KP.2? Who should take antiviral treatments if they contract this type of Covid-19? And what is the guidance for immunocompromised individuals — should they start masking again?
To guide us through these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at the George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner.
Home tests will likely still detect KP.2, the new coronavirus variant. Grace Cary/Moment RF/Getty Images
CNN: What should people know about this new variant, KP.2?
Dr. Leana Wen: Since the start of Covid-19, we have been discussing new variants. The original strain of the virus was displaced by the Alpha variant. Then we had Beta, then Delta and then Omicron.
KP.2 is part of the Omicron family. It appears to be displacing JN.1 and similar subvariants, which previously were the dominant variants in the United States.
Whenever there is a new variant, there are three key questions to ask: Is it more contagious? Does it cause more severe disease? And do existing vaccines and treatments work on it?
One reason a new strain displaces the previously dominant ones is that it is as contagious or more so. That means KP.2 could spread very easily, which is something we have seen throughout Covid-19: that the coronavirus is extremely contagious and thus difficult to avoid.
The good news is that KP.2 does not appear to cause more severe disease. Indeed, hospitalizations associated with Covid-19 are at record lows. And there is no reason to believe that existing vaccines and treatments would stop working against it.
CNN: What are the symptoms of infection with KP.2?
Wen: Most people who contract the coronavirus will never know what variant is causing their symptoms. Symptoms of Covid-19 infection include runny nose, sore throat, headache, fevers, cough and body aches. Some people may experience more severe symptoms such as shortness of breath. Covid-19 could also exacerbate underlying conditions such as heart failure.
None of these symptoms are specific to KP.2, which so far has not been reported to be associated with unique symptoms that distinguish it from other coronavirus infections. It’s important to remember that in many individuals, Covid-19 symptoms may be difficult to differentiate from other viral infections, such as the flu or common cold.
News
CRP hails court verdict dismissing suit seeking to compel INEC to conduct fresh elections for Rivers 27 lawmakers
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A group under the aegies of Concerned Rivers People, CRP has hailed the judgement of Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court Abuja, which on Friday, dismissed a suit seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh or by-election to replace the 27 Peoples Democratic Party members.
Reacting to the judgment via a statement, CRP’s Convener, Emmanuel Chibuzor on Saturday expressed satisfaction stating that the iron cast verdict has confirmed that judiciary is truly the bastion of true democracy.
“The suit in the first place was uncalled for as it lacked merit and the PDP had written to INEC confirming that the lawmakers were authentic members of the party.
Chibuzor explained that “we’re very sure that superior courts will not deviate from this line of verdict as the suit lacks what it takes.
“This judgement has further confirmed that the judiciary’s integrity is very much intact and the last hope of the common man.
“We’re in total agreement with the development from the court as the unnecessary witch hunting in Rivers State is uncalled for.
“Nigerians can breathe fresh air as one can go to court to seek Justice and get delivered from the shackles of slavery.
“The situation in our days reflects days of slavery perpetuated by just one man at the detriment of peace loving Rivers people.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Nigeria Police Force has said its operatives have apprehended a “fake journalist” who claims to be a staff member of one of the leading television stations in Nigeria during the governorship election in Edo State on Saturday.
According to the police, the operatives also arrested “two key suspects who are members of the PDP, Emotingham Godspower (25) and Farawei Isaac (27), both from Ufunama community, Ovia Southwest Local Government Area, Edo state in a comprehensive operation.”
The was disclose by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement made available to Channels Television.
“The suspects, connected to a larger network involving one “Atiku” and a kingpin known as “the boss”, were apprehended at a guest house in Ekpoma, where a substantial amount of cash and incriminating items were recovered,” the statement said.
The items recovered include a list of voters’ names with corresponding monetary values, a collection of pre-filled ballot papers, and a set of fake identification cards.
Adejobi further disclosed that another six suspects namely Suleiman Abdurahim, Fatima Yakubu, Yusuf Aminat 52 yrs, Salihu Lukman 54yrs, Safianu Saratu 32yrs were all arrested at Aibotse Secondary School, beside Meremu hotel, Auchi, for engaging in vote buying.
According to him, this group was found with a large sum of money, a cache of weapons and a detailed plan outlining strategies for voter intimidation.
“Our team’s meticulous planning and swift action have dealt a significant blow to those seeking to undermine and discredit the electoral process
“We remain vigilant and committed to ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election. Investigations are ongoing, and updates will be provided as events unfold,” the statement added
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Independent National Electoral Commission has uploaded 90.33 percent of the results from the Edo governorship election to its Result Viewing Portal.
Results from 4,082 out of the 4,519 polling units where elections were held in the state have been successfully transmitted.
Earlier today, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo, Anugbum Onuoha, reassured the public during an interview on Arise Television that electronic transmission of results would proceed smoothly, barring any network disruptions.
“We have trained the operators for the BVAS. They are set. BVAS is to accredit the voters and to know the total number of voters that will vote at that level and that polling unit.
After that, the voters will start voting. At the end of the day, they will count the results, and it will be uploaded to our IReV,” he assured.
With more than 2.2 million permanent voter cards collected, candidates from various parties, including Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party, are competing for the governorship position.
The winner will succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki, who will leave Osadebe House on November 11 after completing two terms in office.
CRP hails court verdict dismissing suit seeking to compel INEC to conduct fresh elections for Rivers 27 lawmakers
EdoDecides2024: Police nab ‘fake Journalist’, ‘political thugs’
Edo poll: INEC uploads 90.33% of results on IREV
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