variant of concern; VOC
Medical term for a SARS-CoV-2 variant with increased transmissibility, virulence, or reduced effectiveness of treatments/vaccines. Used in official and news contexts.
The Omicron variant was designated a variant of concern.
懸念される変異株の出現を監視している。
We are monitoring the emergence of variants of concern.
Compound of 懸念される (passive of 懸念する 'to be concerned') + 変異株 ('mutant strain'). A direct translation of the English medical term 'variant of concern'.