What to know about new COVID-19 variant Omicron

Here's what to know about the new COVID-19 variant first detected in southern Africa.

Global health authorities are monitoring a new COVID-19 variant first identified in Botswana that the World Health Organization has named Omicron.

Scientists have now confirmed 87 cases of the new variant -- 77 in South Africa, six in Botswana, two in Hong Kong, and one each in Israel and Belgium, though hundreds more diagnoses are expected.

"We don't know very much about this yet," said WHO COVID-19 Technical Lead Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, speaking at an "Ask WHO" briefing Thursday. But concern about this variant stems from its "large number of mutations," Kerkhove said, which could "have an impact on how the virus behaves."

Dr. Anthony Fauci told CNN on Friday that scientists from the United States and South Africa will discuss the new variant on Friday, as early indications suggest it could be spreading in South Africa.