Title: CDC Warns of Rising BA.2.86 Variant Cases, with Fears of Winter Surge
Subtitle: New COVID-19 variant BA.2.86 triples in prevalence, impacting the Northeast, as JN.1 becomes the fastest-growing subvariant
As the fight against COVID-19 continues, the BA.2.86 variant has emerged as a cause for concern in the United States. According to the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this variant is now responsible for nearly one in ten new cases across the country. To make matters worse, the prevalence of BA.2.86 has tripled in just two weeks, with the Northeast region, including New York and New Jersey, being hit the hardest, reporting a startling 13.1% of cases attributed to this strain.
The significance of this variant is underscored by the fact that the CDC has now classified it as a standalone variant. Previously, it was grouped together with other BA.2 strains. This new classification allows for better tracking and understanding of its impact on the population. Before BA.2.86 emerged, the majority of new COVID-19 cases were attributed to the XBB variant and its descendants.
Although the CDC acknowledges the prevalence of BA.2.86, it is important to note that their estimates come with a margin of error, ranging from 4.8% to 15.2% of circulating SARS-CoV-2. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified BA.2.86 and its descendants as a “variant of interest” due to the increase in cases associated with this strain.
Early data suggests that the symptoms caused by BA.2.86 are not worse or different from previous strains. However, there has been a substantial increase in reports of the variant, which raises concerns about its potential to spread rapidly.
Despite its prevalence, the CDC currently does not believe that BA.2.86 is the driving force behind the rise in infections or hospitalizations in the United States. However, the agency has noticed a renewed increase in COVID-19 indicators across the country, particularly in the Midwestern region, as the winter season approaches.
Scientists have been keeping a close eye on a related variant called JN.1, which is the fastest-growing subvariant of BA.2.86 worldwide. JN.1 has been responsible for the increase in cases experienced in Europe and has now become the most common version of BA.2.86 in the United States.
Despite these concerning trends, there is some good news. The CDC expects that current COVID-19 tests and treatments will remain effective against JN.1, and this season’s vaccines are also expected to provide protection.
As this new COVID-19 variant continues to make its presence known, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant by following public health guidelines and getting vaccinated to protect themselves and others from this ongoing threat. Hollywood Crap will keep you updated on the latest developments regarding the BA.2.86 variant as new information becomes available.
“Social media scholar. Reader. Zombieaholic. Hardcore music maven. Web fanatic. Coffee practitioner. Explorer.”