Omicron does not have a 100% survival rate, as posts online claim

Omicron does not have a 100% survival rate, as posts online claim

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REUTERS - Contrary to online claims, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 does not have a 100% survival rate, as some social media users suggest. The variant identified by the World Health Organization as a variant of concern on November 26, 2021, has been a contributing factor in worldwide deaths.

A misleading statement published to Facebook, which reads: “The survival rate for Omicron currently is 100%! You’re statistically more likely to die from literally anything else”

According to the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), public health officials are still learning about the Omicron strain. Factors such as transmissibility, severity, and how well available vaccines and medications work against Omicron are still being studied.

While initial reports spoke of the milder symptoms associated with the disease, Reuters reported on Dec. 21 that

Omicron infections appeared to be as severe as previous variants. There have been COVID-19 deaths linked to the Omicron variant.

Reuters coverage of deaths attributed to Omicron in the United Kingdom can be seen. According to the Dec. 22 report, 129 people are hospitalized and 14 died, per an announcement from junior health minister Gillian Keegan.

In Israel, a hospital confirmed the first known death in the country of a patient with the Omicron variant of COVID-19, who is said to have suffered from several serious pre-existing conditions. The death of an unvaccinated Harris County, Texas man surfaced on Monday, Dec. 20 and is reported to be the first U.S. death attributed to the Omicron variant.

Early reports out of South Africa, where the variant was first identified, also noted deaths among Omicron patients.

The latest developments in tracking the evolution of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant can be seen in

Despite initial evidence that Omicron may have mild symptoms, health professionals encourage the public to focus on what is known, get vaccinated, get booster shots, wear a mask, and seek information on the requirements for individuals who venture out to events and social settings.

VERDICT

False. Media reports confirm multiple deaths worldwide attributed to the Omicron variant of COVID-19.