How contagious is the Omicron BA.5 variant compared to previous strains?

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The Omicron BA.5 Variant Exhibits Increased Contagiousness Compared to Previous Strains

The Omicron BA.5 variant of Covid-19 has demonstrated a higher level of contagiousness than its predecessors, contributing to its emergence as the dominant strain in several countries. This heightened transmissibility is a key factor in the anticipated rise of infections, a trend already observed globally and now being monitored in Malaysia.
BA.5 Emerges as Dominant Variant Globally

Data from various nations indicates that the BA.5 sub-lineage has become the primary driver of new Covid-19 infections. This observation has led to projections that BA.5 will similarly influence case numbers in Malaysia, mirroring the epidemiological patterns seen elsewhere.
Immune Evasion Characterises BA.5

A significant concern surrounding the BA.5 variant is its pronounced immune escape properties. This means that individuals previously infected with earlier Omicron sub-variants, such as BA.1 and BA.2, may not possess adequate protection against reinfection by BA.5. This characteristic has been linked to increased hospital admissions in countries like Portugal and Singapore.
Contagiousness Exceeds Previous Variants

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has highlighted that BA.5 is considered the most contagious Covid-19 variant detected to date. Its ability to spread more readily than previous strains is a central element driving the current public health considerations.

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How contagious is the Omicron BA.5 variant compared to previous strains?

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