Scientist who helped discover Omicron variant warns of its potential: "This is probably the most mutated virus we'd ever seen" - CBS News

Durban, South Africa — COVID researchers suit up in protective gear before heading into the Africa Health Research Institute's high-security bio-hazard lab, where they are growing live Omicron, which will be tested against the blood of fully immunized people, as well as those who were previously infected.

The Omicron variant has more than 50 mutations — with over 30 in the spike protein — enhancing the virus' ability to infect the body. .

Omicron has mainly infected young people in Africa, and South African doctors say those infected have mild symptoms for the most part. 

© 2021 CBS Interactive Inc

Copyright © 2021 CBS Interactive Inc

Back to 365NEWSX