CDC Tracks New Variant of COVID-19: BA.2.86
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, known as BA.2.86, according to an official announcement. This variant has been detected in the United States, Denmark, and Israel, as reported by the CDC on their official Twitter account. While more research is needed to fully understand this strain, the CDC assures the public that it will promptly share any new information.
Renowned evolutionary biologist Jessie Bloom from the Fred Hutch Cancer Center explains that the BA.2.86 mutation exhibits immune evasion capabilities comparable to, or potentially greater than, the XBB.1.5 variant which emerged prior to the Omicron variant. Bloom emphasizes the importance of closely monitoring BA.2.86, as the current targeted vaccines designed for the XBB series may not be as effective against this new variant if its spread becomes widespread.
However, Bloom assures the public that cases of BA.2.86 infection remain relatively rare at present, dampening concerns. In line with this, the World Health Organization has classified BA.2.86 as a “mutation of interest,” with only four cases reported globally. Nonetheless, it is premature to determine whether this variant poses a greater threat compared to other Omicron subtypes that are currently prevalent.
As the global battle against COVID-19 continues, the scientific community remains vigilant in monitoring emerging variants. Stay informed and follow official guidelines to protect yourself and those around you.
A view of the headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ⓒ Reuters=News1 ⓒ News1 Correspondent Seongsik Kim
(Seoul = News 1) Reporter Park Jae-ha = The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that they are tracking a new variant of Corona virus 19 BA.2.86.
According to Reuters on the 17th (local time), the CDC announced on its official X (Twitter) account that day that the variant was found in the United States, Denmark and Israel.
He added, “As we learn more about this strain, we will share information.”
Evolutionary biologist Jessie Bloom of the Fred Hutch Cancer Center told CBS News, “The BA.2.86 mutation has equal or greater immune evasion capabilities than XBB.1.5 against antibodies produced in pre-Omicron and first-generation Omicrons.” he said.
Currently, the EG.5 mutation of the XBB series is in vogue in the United States. Accordingly, pharmaceutical companies plan to supply targeted vaccines that target XBB, but if the BA.2.86 mutation spreads rapidly, the vaccine may not be effective, Bloom added.
However, Bloom said that cases of BA.2.86 infection are still rare, so it is nothing to worry about.
The World Health Organization also classified BA.2.86 as a ‘mutation of interest’, saying that four cases had been found worldwide. However, it is too early to judge whether it is more dangerous than other types of Omicron descendants that are currently common.
#CDC #Tracking #mutation #Corona #BA.2.86
