The Latest on the Emerging BA.2.86 COVID Variant

The Emergence of the New BA.2.86 COVID Variant

A new variant of the COVID-19 virus has recently emerged that is garnering attention from public health authorities. Known as BA.2.86, this new strand of covid belongs to the Omicron family of variants and is a sublineage of the BA.2 variant that drove an increase in cases earlier this year.

Key Mutations in the BA.2.86 Variant

BA.2.86 contains several key mutations that differentiate it from previous variants and have raised some concerns among scientists. In particular, this new variant contains spike protein mutations at three key sites - L452Q, F486V, and R493Q. F486V and R493Q are thought to potentially increase the virus's ability to escape antibodies generated from vaccination and previous infection. The collection of mutations make BA.2.86 genetically distinct enough for scientists to closely track its spread.

Additionally, BA.2.86 has been noted to have an unusually high number of additional spike mutations - nearly 60 in total. This has prompted the nickname "Pirola" for this variant, with "piro" meaning shuffle in Italian, referencing all the mutations. The high number of spike mutations also impacts how antibodies within the body can bind to and block the virus, contributing to immune evasion concerns.

Initial Detection and Spread of the New Variant

The first documented samples of BA.2.86 were collected during the week of April 16, 2022 from patients in the New York region. By the week of May 28, 2022, the CDC estimated BA.2.86 accounted for nearly 7% of cases in the area, indicating rapid growth. Since then, BA.2.86 has been detected in multiple other states across the country, though at much lower rates so far.

As of late June 2022, the CDC reports that BA.2.86 makes up around 3% of total sequenced COVID cases nationally. They also estimate it accounts for 5.4% of cases specifically in HHS Region 2, which includes New York and New Jersey. BA.2.86 appears to be spreading most efficiently in this northeast region compared to other parts of the country currently.

BA.5 and BA.4 Still Dominate New Infections

Despite the emergence of BA.2.86, the Omicron subvariants BA.5 and BA.4 still make up the vast majority of sequenced COVID cases. As of late June 2022, the CDC estimates these two variants account for over 70% of cases nationally.

The rapid spread of BA.4 and BA.5 is believed to be due to their ability for significant immune evasion from previous infection and vaccination. The mutations these variants contain make them the most genetically distinct strains compared to the original virus.

For now, BA.5 in particular appears to have a strong transmission advantage over BA.2.86. Most experts think it is unlikely BA.2.86 will displace BA.5 globally, though the situation is being closely monitored due to the high number spike mutations.

Severity of Illness Caused by New Variant

There is no evidence currently that infection with BA.2.86 results in more severe symptoms or illness compared to other Omicron variants. Most cases so far have demonstrated mild, cold-like symptoms or no symptoms at all. Vaccination is still considered highly protective against hospitalization and death, even with immune evasive variants.

However, medical experts caution that the elderly and those who are immunocompromised continue to be at highest risk for critical illness. Lung damage and “long COVID” also remain a risk in a portion of patients. The spread of BA.2.86 serves as an important reminder that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over globally.

Public Health Response to the New Variant

Public health authorities are closely monitoring the rise of BA.2.86 along with other new variants being tracked like BA.2.12.1 and BA.4.6. The CDC has now labeled BA.2.86 a "variant of concern", considering its rapid growth in some regions and significant mutations. The WHO is also tracking this new variant and working to analyze full genome sequences submitted from countries that detect BA.2.86. Ramped up sequencing efforts for new case samples will be crucial for helping track the spread of this variant.

However, for now, no changes are being made to public guidance on masking or social distancing due to BA.2.86 specifically. Rather, localtransmission levels of COVID-19 overall will continue guiding policy decisions.

Vaccines Expected to Still Provide Protection

Health officials emphasize that existing COVID vaccines available, including the new bivalent booster formulations from Pfizer and Moderna, still confer protection against BA.2.86 and other circulating variants. While immunity evasion is likely with BA.2.86, vaccination prevents severe illness in most people according to collected data.

Experts strongly advise eligible people get one of the updated mRNA boosters this fall to strengthen protection, especially those at increased risk like seniors and the immunocompromised. Continued research and development work on next-generation vaccines is also underway to create longer-lasting, variant-proof immunity against COVID-19.

The Likely Future of the BA.2.86 Variant

It remains unclear to scientists whether BA.2.86's current rapid rise in parts of the US is an isolated local phenomenon, or early signs of the variant spreading more widely across the country and globally. Its frequency in sequenced cases and geographic distribution will be carefully analyzed in coming weeks.

Researchers say BA.2.86 demonstrates how the virus continues to evolve concerning new mutations that enhance transmissibility and immune evasion. This puts increased importance on genomic surveillance efforts worldwide to detect emerging variant threats.

Experts predict COVID-19 will likely enter more of an endemic phase where cases circulate persistently, but monitoring for disruptive new variants will remain an integral part of the public health response. The spread of BA.2.86 is another reminder the pandemic fight is not over and vigilance is warranted.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.