It is a matter of time and Viruses mutate. A new variant of SARS-CoV-2 (The virus that causes COVID-19) has been noticed and the US CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has announced its tracking of this new variant of COVID-19 strain. Along with CDC, WHO has also been tracking the virus and labeled BA.2.86 a “variant under monitoring”. This highly mutated variant was discovered in the Michigan for the first time. According to the experts, many reports of BA.2.86 being spotted in countries like Denmark, Israel, U.K. and U.S. Experts also said BA.2.86 is capable of sidestepping vaccine protection to some degree. The experts also say the virus is speeding undetected for some time.
Mutations in the spike protein which is making it easier for the virus to invade the human cells. Bloom stated that BA.2.86 has 36 mutations in total relative to the XBB.1.5 variant. According to the record, the variant was collected by the university’s clinical microbiology lab during “baseline surveillance” however it is still unclear whether the sample was collected from the hospitalized patient or some other source.
Another Omicron descendant, EG.5 which is also called “Eris” has been already spreading in the US. As per CDC, 1 in 5 cases has been estimated in a recent survey. This new sub variant of coronavirus is setting off an alarm for the nation. The early reports show the virus has surpassed XBB.1.16 which means it may be more transmissible.
It is too early to say whether the variant is dangerous or not. Further, the U.N. agency stated, more data is required to understand its future threat on us.
Dr. Roberts said, protective efforts such as; wearing masks, avoiding people who are sick and the most importantly “COVID-19 vaccination” are the most effective tools for prevention.
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