Cases of COVID variant BA.2.86 have tripled in 2 weeks, says CDC report

The COVID-19 variant Omicron BA.2.86, commonly known as Pirola, has experienced a staggering increase in cases over the past two weeks, according to a recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The variant now accounts for between 5% and 15% of all infections, with numbers tripling in just a short span of time.

This concerning surge has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to classify BA.2.86, alongside its related offshoot JN.1, as a 'variant of interest.' Despite this classification, both the CDC and WHO have emphasized that the public health risk posed by this variant remains relatively low compared to other circulating variants.

In the face of its increasing prevalence, however, scientists have found reassuring evidence that BA.2.86 is not driving significant increases in infections or hospitalizations in the United States. The CDC's report emphasized that the symptoms and severity of the disease are primarily dependent on an individual's immunity, rather than the specific variant causing the infection.

In terms of protection against BA.2.86, the CDC highlighted the effectiveness of the updated COVID-19 vaccines that were approved by the FDA in September. These vaccines are believed to enhance protection against the variant, as they do for other circulating variants.

Richard Reithinger, PhD, a distinguished research fellow in the Global Health Division at the International Development Group in Washington, D.C., expressed confidence in the existing vaccines' ability to protect against BA.2.86. He stated that vaccines have proven highly effective in preventing not only symptomatic infection but also severe disease, hospitalization, and death, particularly in individuals who have received multiple doses or have natural immunity from prior infection.

Despite these encouraging findings, the CDC remains cautious about the long-term impact of BA.2.86. While it is unclear whether this variant causes different symptoms, the CDC highlighted that most variants tend to produce similar effects. They also reassured the public that current tests and treatments are expected to be effective against this new variant.

Reithinger, echoing this sentiment, emphasized that although the pandemic may be officially over, it is important to recognize that COVID-19 is still a relevant concern. He noted that the BA.2.86 variant was initially a cause for concern due to its 35 mutations in the spike protein, potentially enabling it to evade immune responses more effectively than previous variants. However, early clinical data suggests this may not be the case.

The increase in BA.2.86 cases can be attributed to the U.S. entering the 'COVID-19 season' and the presence of a sufficient number of individuals with non-BA.2.86 immunity, according to medical experts. In addition to vaccination, Reithinger recommended adopting risk-mitigating behaviors such as wearing masks, frequently washing hands, and avoiding crowded environments, particularly for high-risk groups.

In conclusion, while the rising cases of the BA.2.86 variant is cause for concern, experts maintain that the public health risk remains relatively low. With the ongoing efforts in vaccination and adherence to preventive measures, there is hope that the impact of this variant can be mitigated, ensuring the continued well-being of individuals worldwide.