A second case of the highly-mutated BA.2.86 Covid variant has been identified in the United States. The positive case was found in an asymptomatic individual in Virginia who had recently traveled from Japan. This variant has caused global concern due to its rapid transmission. Experts believe that the variant is spreading more widely and in more states across the US.
The BA.2.86 variant is particularly worrisome because it comes from an earlier branch of the coronavirus and differs from the strains targeted by current vaccines. As a result, Atlanta college and Hollywood studio Lionsgate have reinstated mandatory face mask policies. Despite rising Covid rates and hospital admissions, they remain relatively low compared to previous years.
Dr. Aaron Glatt from Mount Sinai in New York believes that there may be many more cases of this variant that are going undetected. Only a small fraction of positive swabs are tested for variants, leading to potential underdiagnosis. The BA.2.86 variant has also been detected in Israel, Denmark, and the UK, although many countries lack the infrastructure to identify new variants.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are closely monitoring the BA.2.86 variant. The case in Virginia was discovered through America’s Traveler Based Genomic Surveillance Program, which analyzes positive samples from travelers entering the US. The program operates at seven airports and serves as an early warning system for variant entry.
In Japan, cases and hospitalizations are increasing, although they remain below last year’s levels. The BA.2.86 variant has not yet been detected in Japan. This variant has over 30 mutations on its spike protein, making it distinct from currently dominant strains and potentially better at evading the immune system.
While concerns have been raised about the transmissibility of the BA.2.86 variant, there is currently no data suggesting it is more likely to cause severe illness or death than other variants. Hospitalizations for Covid have been rising, but they are still significantly lower than previous years. Deaths from the virus remain relatively stable.
Lionsgate and Morris Brown College have reintroduced face mask mandates in response to positive cases among employees and students. Test positivity rates in the US have increased, and there are concerns about another variant, EG.5, which is believed to be driving an uptick in cases. However, experts caution that this variant may be surpassed by BA.2.86.
As alarm bells ring regarding Covid, some organizations are taking precautions by reintroducing face mask policies. Lionsgate and Morris Brown College are among those requiring masks in their facilities. Georgia has seen an increase in cases, but overall numbers remain low.
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