The World Health Organisation (WHO) and health officials in the United States have announced their active monitoring of a novel variant of the Covid-19 virus, BA.2.86.
In a recent bulletin addressing the ongoing pandemic, the WHO labeled this variant under surveillance due to its possession of a significant number (more than 30) of mutations within the spike gene. The variant has been identified exclusively in Israel, Denmark, and the United States.
The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have also confirmed their dedicated observation of the variant. Their acknowledgment was made through a post on the social platform X, previously known as Twitter.
Presently, there are only four documented sequences of this variant, as per information provided by the WHO. The potential implications of the BA.2.86 mutations are currently under thorough evaluation by the WHO.
The WHO is currently monitoring upwards of 10 variants and their descent lineages. Most countries that had established surveillance systems for the virus have since dismantled operations, determining it is no longer as severe and therefore could not justify the expense — a move the WHO has denounced, calling instead for stronger monitoring.
In the recent reporting period from July 17 to August 13, the WHO identified over 1.4 million fresh COVID-19 cases and more than 2,300 related fatalities. This showcases a 63 percent increase in caseload compared to the preceding 28-day period, while the reported deaths have diminished by 56 percent.
By August 13, the global tally of confirmed COVID-19 cases had exceeded 769 million, with reported deaths surpassing 6.9 million. However, these figures are expected to be significantly higher due to the likely presence of undetected cases.
Follow us on Twitter for more news updates.
Comments 1