The latest variant of the coronavirus, known as BA.2.86, has only caused a small number of illnesses worldwide and has been detected in just three US states. However, experts believe that it should be closely monitored due to its potential ability to evade antibodies, even in individuals who have recently been vaccinated or infected, according to the Washington Post. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that current tests and antiviral treatments should still be effective against this strain. Additionally, assessments have shown that the upcoming vaccine scheduled for release in September should still provide protection against BA.2.86, as reported by CBS News. Nonetheless, experts are urgently studying this new variant to gather information about it.
BA.2.86 has already undergone over 30 mutations on its spike protein, which is the part of the virus that vaccines target. Antibodies that have been successful against other variants may struggle to recognize this one. Eric Topol from the Scripps Research Translational Institute compared this radical change in the virus to what occurred with the omicron variant, which caught many people off guard. Even individuals who have been vaccinated or previously infected could still be susceptible to this new variant. We are facing a similar situation once again.
It is too early to determine whether this rapidly changing variant will spread as widely as omicron or if it will cause different or more severe symptoms. Scientific tests could provide answers as early as next week, according to CBS. President Biden has expressed his desire for Congress to allocate funding for a new vaccine. Experts admit to experiencing the same frustrations as the general population. Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist and author of a COVID-19 newsletter, likened the emergence of a new variant to observing a storm forming in the distance. “We don’t know if it’s going to fizzle away or become a Category 5 or somewhere in between.” (Read more COVID variants stories.)
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
