Highly Mutated Covid Variant BA.2.86 Emerges in Multiple Countries, Testing Vaccine Effectiveness
A highly mutated Covid variant known as BA.2.86 has been detected in several countries, including Switzerland, South Africa, Israel, Denmark, the US, and the UK, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) official. This variant carries more than 35 mutations in key parts of the virus, similar to the Omicron variant that caused a surge in infections.
BA.2.86 was initially identified in Denmark on July 24 after sequencing the virus from a high-risk patient. Since then, it has been found in symptomatic patients, routine airport screenings, and even wastewater samples in a few countries. Although the number of known cases is low, the fact that these cases are not linked suggests that the variant is already circulating more widely, especially considering reduced global surveillance.
While it is important to monitor BA.2.86, a group of scientists believes that it is unlikely to cause a devastating wave of severe disease and death due to the immunity developed through vaccination and prior infection worldwide. Vaccines have proven effective at preventing severe illness and death, although their effectiveness against reinfection is slightly reduced.
Efforts are underway to test the effectiveness of updated Covid-19 vaccines against the BA.2.86 variant. Scientists reassured that current tests and medications remain effective against this new variant. However, there are concerns that the variant may have an increased ability to cause infection in vaccinated individuals and those who have previously had Covid-19. So far, there is no evidence to suggest that it leads to more severe illness.
While the situation needs to be taken seriously, experts emphasize the importance of continued surveillance, even if it is not at the same level as during the peak of the pandemic. Governments must not let their guard down, as the coronavirus continues to circulate, evolve, and pose a threat to public health.
Another subvariant called EG.5 has also put some people on high alert in the US. Pharmacy chains have reported an increase in on-site molecular tests and sales of at-home tests in recent weeks.
The level of surveillance needed to track the virus remains an open question, and the countries that have detected the BA.2.86 variant all have strong genomic sequencing capabilities. However, data submitted to the international database have significantly declined in recent weeks. This decline in sequencing is a concern as it makes it harder to identify new variants.
Testing for Covid-19 has decreased by 90% worldwide from its peak, with the US experiencing a similar decline. As a result, there has been a 90% reduction in sequencing, making it more challenging to monitor the virus effectively.
Experts, including those from the European public health agency and Covax, suggest that Covid surveillance and defenses can be reactivated if there is a major wave of infections. However, this would require resources, commitment, and recognition that it is an essential undertaking.
As the world continues its battle against Covid-19, it is crucial to maintain vigilance, adapt to new variants, and prioritize public health measures to protect communities globally.
