Translational Research Institute: COVID-19 “Monstrous” Wave Looming in US
Photo: Bing Guan / Reuters
A new “monstrous” wave of coronavirus is approaching the United States, which will lead to a manifold increase in the number of cases. Eric Topol, director of the American Institute for Translational Research, wrote about this on his Twitter page.
According to the scientist, this is due to the greater infectiousness of the omicron strain of the coronavirus, which, although it is carried by most patients in a mild form, is capable of paralyzing the work of hospitals in the country. “[Now] we depend on our immune wall (vaccine and COVID patients) to protect ourselves from the effects of the omicron,” Topol warned.
He also pointed out that on December 22, the number of cases of coronavirus in the United States reached a record high since January 2021 – 243 619. “More than 2,000 deaths were caused by the delta strain,” the specialist added.
On December 21, the United States recorded the first death from the omicron strain of coronavirus. According to preliminary information, a Texas resident died at the age of about 50 years. The Harris County Health Department said the man was not vaccinated. He also had heart problems.
A new strain of coronavirus, code B.1.1.529, was detected in South Africa in early November. The strain was named with the Greek letter omicron and has already managed to recognize its danger at the level of the World Health Organization.
