Scientists monitor a new Omicron mutation called BA.2. The Omicron variant continues to sweep through the world, and now, scientists are monitoring a new subvariant. WHO stated that BA.2 isn’t a “variant of concern.” There is no current evidence that shows the subvariant will worsen COVID-19 transmission, illness severity, or efficacy of vaccines and public health efforts like masking and social distancing.
What We Need To Know About BA.2
Unfortunately, the BA.2 numbers are rising around the world. At least 40 countries reported cases to a global variant tracking database. The subvariant has spread quickly throughout Denmark and the UK. Nearly half of the cases in Denmark are due to the new mutation.
“It is the nature of viruses to evolve and mutate, so it’s to be expected that we will continue to see new variants emerge as the pandemic goes on,” said Dr. Meera Chand, the COVID-19 incident director at the UK Health Security Agency, in prepared remarks. “So far, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether BA.2 causes more severe illness than Omicron BA.1, but data is limited.”
In addition, the subvariant was detected in several U.S. states. Since November 2021, over 8000 cases have been identified. Scientists are unclear where the mutation originated. Health care organizations ask scientists to watch and study the new subvariant to see how it behaves.
