In pace with the global spread of BA.2.86, a progeny of the Omikron variant, surveillance and efforts by health organizations worldwide are intensifying. This variant has been reported in several countries, and its global prevalence is gradually increasing. In the latest assessment from the World Health Organization (WHO), the current public health risk from BA.2.86 is considered to be low on a global level. This is based on the limited evidence available and that global population immunity remains highly cross-reactive to this variant, particularly in preventing severe disease and symptomatic infection. WHO originally classified BA.2.86 as a variant under surveillance (VUM) on 17 August 2023 but has now upgraded it to a variant of interest (VOI).
Genetic Characteristics and Global Prevalence
BA.2.86, a progeny of Omikron, has a significant amount of mutations, particularly in the spike protein, making it a unique and identifiable variant. Its first sample was collected on July 24, 2023, and since then its genetic code has undergone further changes. Globally, BA.2.86's prevalence has steadily increased, and in epidemiological week 44 it represented 8.9% of global sequences. This is a marked increase from only 1.8% four weeks earlier. The countries reporting the highest proportions of BA.2.86 sequences include the UK, France, Sweden, Spain, Canada, Denmark and the USA.
PCR test in Stockholm and Covid test: Important Measures for Protection
The Public Health Agency in Sweden emphasizes the importance of continuing to follow established protective measures, especially with increasing variants. Regular Covid tests, especially PCR tests in Stockholm and other areas with high population density, are central to detecting and isolating infected individuals. Getting tested regularly helps slow the spread of infection and protect the community. With the recent developments of BA.2.86, it is more important than ever to maintain these preventive measures.
Immune Defense and Vaccination: A Strong Defense Against Variants
Global research results indicate that existing vaccines continue to be effective against BA.2.86, particularly in preventing severe disease and reducing the risk of symptomatic infection. WHO continues to recommend vaccination and booster shots to boost immunity, especially in regions where an increase in variant cases is reported. This underlines the importance of participating in the ongoing vaccination campaigns and staying informed about any updates in the vaccine protocols.
Antibody Evacuation and Disease Severity
BA.2.86 has shown some capacity to evade convalescent plasma from previous XBB breakthrough infections, but there is limited evidence of a general risk of antibody evacuation compared to earlier variants. The WHO assesses the risk of serious disease as low and emphasizes the importance of continued surveillance. However, it is important to note that the amount of data is currently limited, and research into BA.2.86's properties and effects on the immune system is still in development.
Continued Measures and Risk Assessment
WHO recommends that Member States continue to monitor the growth of BA.2.86 and perform neutralization assays to assess its impact on immunity. The risk assessment will be updated regularly based on available data. It is important to emphasize that the Covid-19 landscape is dynamic, and the understanding of new variants is constantly evolving. A continued global effort, including regular testing, vaccination and close surveillance, will be critical to reducing the spread of Covid-19 and its variants.
Conclusion: Joint Effort to Reduce Spread
While BA.2.86 and its variants continue to be part of the dynamic landscape of Covid-19, we urge the community to continue to engage in protective measures, regular testing and vaccinations. Through a collective effort, we can strengthen our resistance to new variants and work together for a safer future. For the Swedish population, it is also important to stay up-to-date through the Public Health Agency's reports and advice in order to make informed decisions about personal health and the community's well-being.
Sources: WHO and the Swedish Public Health Agency's websites.