New Highly Mutated COVID Variant BA.2.86 Detected in the US and Other Countries
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Thursday that they are closely monitoring a new variant of the COVID-19 virus, which they have identified as BA.2.86. This particular variant is highly mutated, with 36 mutations compared to the currently dominant XBB.1.5 COVID variant.
According to Dr. S. Wesley Long, the medical director of diagnostic microbiology at Houston Methodist, this new lineage of the virus seems to trace back to an earlier branch. However, it is unclear at this point whether BA.2.86 will out-compete other strains of the virus or have any advantage in evading immune responses from prior infection or vaccination.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified BA.2.86 as a variant under monitoring due to the significant number of mutations it carries. So far, only a few sequences of this variant have been reported from a handful of countries, including the United States, Denmark, and Israel.
While it remains to be seen whether BA.2.86 will become more transmissible or pose a greater threat than other variants, experts are cautiously monitoring its potential impact. Early analysis suggests that the new variant may have equal or greater resistance to antibodies elicited by pre-Omicron and first-generation Omicron variants.
It’s important to note that the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 is the strain targeted by vaccines in upcoming COVID booster shots. However, Jesse Bloom, a virologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, states that BA.2.86 is likely less transmissible than the current dominant variants. Nevertheless, more sequencing data is needed to fully understand its characteristics and behavior.
Dr. Long expressed his concern that the new variant could potentially cause a spike in COVID-19 cases, although it is yet to be determined. He also emphasized that COVID-19 boosters can still provide protection against the virus in general.
As scientists continue to study BA.2.86, it is imperative to remain vigilant and adhere to the existing guidelines for protecting ourselves from COVID-19. The CDC and WHO recommend following standard precautions such as mask-wearing, practicing good hand hygiene, maintaining physical distance, and getting vaccinated.
As always, it is essential to stay informed about the latest developments in the fight against COVID-19 and to consult trusted sources for accurate and up-to-date information.
