2023-08-23 11:57:00
Title: BA.2.86 Variant Spreading Rapidly Across Continents: Potential Global Outbreak Looms
In a recent Facebook post, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thira Woratanarat from the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, highlighted concerning updates regarding the BA.2.86 variant. Two cases of BA.2.86 have been reported in South Africa, with the specimens collected since July 24th, 2023. This brings the total number of cases to nine, spanning across six countries, including Japan, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Israel, America, and now South Africa.
Of note, most of the cases have been reported to have no travel history, suggesting domestic infection. This alarming trend emphasizes the global spread of the BA.2.86 variant, and health experts warn that the actual number of infected individuals may be higher than reported.
Unlike previous virus mutations, which typically occur in a predictable and assessable manner, BA.2.86 is distinct due to numerous mutation positions. This characteristic sets it apart from both the currently spreading strain XBB.x and its direct ancestor, BA.2. It is believed that BA.2.86 may have originated from a chronic infection that led to viral transformation, although its exact source is yet to be determined. Scientists anticipate that it will take around two weeks for various laboratories to evaluate the virus’s performance and gain a better understanding.
Among the BA.2.86 variant’s mutation loci, 16 positions have been identified, which may potentially increase immune resistance. However, due to the decline in randomly tested specimens by 90% since the Omicron outbreak in early 2021, accurately assessing the true extent of the outbreak has become challenging.
The continuous surge in reported cases within a short period is a crucial signal of the brewing threat posed by BA.2.86. The variant has the potential to become a significant enemy in the near future, potentially leading to a global outbreak. In light of this, experts stress the importance of adopting conscious lifestyles and taking proactive measures to protect oneself, such as wearing masks correctly, as it greatly reduces the risk of transmission.
As the world awaits the results of further evaluations on the BA.2.86 variant, surveillance systems are being urged to improve their capabilities to better monitor and respond to the evolving situation. The global community must remain vigilant and united in combating the spread of this highly transmissible variant.]
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