WHO Identifies BA.2.86 as Emerging COVID-19 Variant: Insights and Precautions

The World Health Organization raises awareness about the BA.2.86 variant, nicknamed ‘pirola,’ citing its slow but steady rise and potential impact.

The emergence of the BA.2.86 variant, colloquially known as ‘pirola,’ has garnered attention from health officials globally, with the World Health Organization (WHO) noting a cautious watch on its progression. Initially, concerns arose due to the variant’s substantial mutations, but subsequent analysis revealed similarities to its predecessors.

Months after its introduction, BA.2.86 is now gaining traction, prompting WHO’s Maria Van Kerkhove to address its significance during a recent press conference. While the variant demonstrates a growth advantage, Kerkhove emphasized that it doesn’t appear to induce more severe disease.

The WHO’s risk evaluation categorized BA.2.86 as a “variant of interest” this month, acknowledging its potential to impact virus transmission and exhibit a growth advantage over other strains. Despite this, the organization deems the global public health risk posed by BA.2.86 as currently low.

Population immunity through prior infection and vaccination plays a crucial role in mitigating the variant’s impact on national public health systems, according to WHO. The organization’s recent update, however, highlights the need for vigilance due to the variant’s potential to cause surges in infections.

BA.2.86 has represented nearly 9% of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. in recent weeks, a significant increase from 1% in October, as per estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Global estimates also indicate a slow but steady rise, reaching nearly 9% in early November.

The CDC emphasizes caution in interpreting these numbers, citing a relatively small sample size of BA.2.86 sequences. Despite the increase in cases and hospitalizations in the U.S., BA.2.86 does not appear to be the primary driver.

Acknowledging the evolving situation, the CDC assures that the existing COVID-19 tests and treatments are expected to be effective against BA.2.86. Furthermore, an updated vaccine is anticipated to enhance protection against this emerging variant.

In conclusion, while BA.2.86 raises concerns due to its growth and prevalence, current data suggests that it does not pose additional public health risks compared to other circulating variants. Ongoing surveillance and research will play a crucial role in understanding and managing the impact of this emerging COVID-19 variant.