As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, a new variant, BA.2.86, is gaining attention and scrutiny from health authorities. Initially overshadowed by its predecessor, BA.1, the strain, also known as “pirola,” is now emerging as a notable presence in the ongoing battle against the virus.
Maria Van Kerkhove, a representative from the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighted BA.2.86 during a recent press conference, emphasizing the need to monitor its behavior closely. While the variant appears to possess a growth advantage over other strains, there is currently no evidence suggesting that it causes more severe disease.
The WHO conducted a risk evaluation of BA.2.86, determining that its global public health risk is currently low. The organization attributes this assessment to the high level of population immunity resulting from previous infections and vaccinations. Despite being classified as a “variant of interest,” indicating potential impacts on transmission and a growth advantage, there is no indication that BA.2.86 poses additional public health risks compared to other circulating variants.
Recent estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that BA.2.86 is responsible for nearly 9% of new COVID-19 cases in the United States, a significant increase from 1% at the end of October. The global prevalence of this variant has also risen steadily since early November. The CDC cautions that interpretation of these figures should be approached with caution due to the limited number of BA.2.86 sequences.
Despite the rise in cases and hospitalizations in the U.S., the CDC notes that BA.2.86 does not seem to be the primary driver of these increases. Furthermore, the organization anticipates that the updated COVID-19 vaccine will enhance protection against this variant, and existing tests and treatments should remain effective.
As the world grapples with the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, the emergence of BA.2.86 underscores the importance of continued vigilance, research, and public health measures to mitigate the impact of new variants and ensure the effectiveness of existing preventive measures.
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