GENEVA, (Reuters) – The Omicron coronavirus variation has been reported in over 60 countries. While there is some evidence it evades vaccination, clinical data about its severity are still limited.

Omicron was first discovered last month in South Africa, Hong Kong. Its mutations could lead to more COVID-19 cases and higher transmission, according to the WHO in a technical brief released on Sunday. There are many unknowns.

“The risk overall related to Omicron’s new variant is very high, for many reasons,” the agency stated. It reiterated its Nov. 29 assessment.

The WHO stated that “And second” preliminary evidence suggested that the virus could have a humoral immune escape from infection. This refers to its potential to overcome antibodies.

Some preliminary evidence has been provided by the WHO that South Africa is experiencing an increase in the incidence of the virus being re-infected.

It was reported that preliminary South African findings suggest Omicron may not be as severe as the Delta variant, which is currently the dominant global strain. However, all Omicron cases from Europe are mild-to-moderate and asymptomatic.

According to the report, “More data is needed in order to understand severity profiles.” Even though severity may not be as severe as for the Delta variant of this disease, hospitalisations are expected to increase.

Increased transmission can lead to an increase in hospitalizations. Increased hospitalizations may increase the burden on healthcare systems

These can lead to even more deaths.”

Additional information is expected to be released in the weeks ahead, it said, while noting that there was a time delay between infection and outcome.