More information about the Omikron sub-option. BA.2 is dangerous to us? The scientists answer

We heard about the detection of an “invisible” mutation of the Omicron variant (sub-variant BA.2) in December. It is unclear where BA.2 first appeared. It is known that it has been identified in almost 60 countries, that it spreads faster and is more contagious. Danish research suggests that it infects people who are vaccinated more easily. Does all this mean that BA.2 is a greater threat to us than its “older cousin” BA.1, the classic Omicron? The scientists answer.

1. The Omikron BA.2 sub-variant was first detected in November 2021 in the Philippines
2. According to WHO data, BA.2 has been identified in 57 countries around the world, in some regions this sub-line begins to dominate
3. Studies from Denmark and the UK have shown that BA.2 is more infectious than “regular” Omikron. Scientists also believe that this subline infects people who are vaccinated more easily
4. Importantly, there is currently no data to suggest that BA.2 leads to more severe disease than previous Omicron sub-variants
5. But can BA.2 pose a great threat to us? The scientists answer
6. More information can be found on the TvoiLokony home page

Discovery of an “invisible” Omicron BA.2 sub-variant.

We found out about the existence of the Omikron super-variant in November last year. Less than a month later, UK scientists identified an “invisible” version of the Omikron mutation – now known as BA.2, which could not be initially distinguished from other coronavirus variants by PCR testing (due to the lack of some genetic alteration).

The discovery of a new form of the super-variant prompted researchers to divide the Omicron line into a standard variant, BA.1 and later BA.2. At that time, it was too early to predict whether the new version of the Omicron would spread as much as the standard version. However, the researchers pointed out that BA.2 is genetically distinct and may behave differently.

It is worth explaining here that sometimes pathogen mutations are also divided into sublines or sub-variants. This was the case with Delta, for example, which includes 200 different sub-options. The same thing happened with the Omikron, which covers three sublines.

It is unclear where BA.2 came from, it is known that it was first detected in the Philippines (last November). There are more secrets that this Omicron sub-variant hides from us, but the amount of information about it is also growing. What is known about BA.2 and is there anything to worry about?

Where does BA.2 spread?

According to data from the World Health Organization, BA.2 has been identified in 57 countries around the worldincluding in the United States, Great Britain, Sweden, Norway and Denmark, where it is responsible for approx. 82 percent. all cases of coronavirus infections.

BA.2 begins to dominate the “older cousin” BA.1 in parts of Asia. According to molecular biologist Bijay Dhakal, India is another country where BA.2 is rapidly replacing the Omikron BA.1 and the Delta variant. This is already the dominant variant in several Indian states, according to the BBC. It is likely he who caused the last third wave of infections in this country.

1. The “invisible” variant of the Omicron is spreading faster and faster. Does it threaten convalescents?

More than 2 cases of BA.2 have been identified in England, according to the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA). In late January, the agency reported that BA.1 appears to have a significantly higher spread than BA.XNUMX. Higher growth rates for BA.2 versus BA.1 have been seen in all regions of England where there have been enough cases to compare and “the apparent growth advantage is now significant”.

Sub-variant BA.2 more infectious. What about the vaccinated?

The study from Denmark also showed higher infectivity of the sub-variant, with BA.2 being the dominant one. The analyzes were carried out by the local infectious disease control agency – SSI – on 8,5 thousand. households and 18 thous. people. Application? Option BA.2 is “much” more contagious than BA.1.

Moreover, scientists believe that this snare infects people who are vaccinated more easily. The results suggested that the BA.2 sub-option is better able to avoid vaccination. – We came to the conclusion that Omikron BA.2 is inherently more infectious than BA.1. It also has properties that reduce immunity to the disease even in vaccinated people, according to a collective publication by SSI, the University of Copenhagen, the Danish State Statistics Service and the Danish Technical University.

– If you have had contact with Omikron BA.2 at home, there is 39 percent. chance of infection within seven days. With the BA.1 sub-option, the probability in the same circumstances is 29%. – reported Frederik Plesner, who conducted the research. As the scientist noted, BA.2 is more infectious than BA.1 by about 33 percent.

Sub-variant BA.2 more dangerous? The scientists answer

Taking into account the above information, a fundamental question arises: is the Omikron sub-variant dangerous for us? The good news is that there is currently no data to suggest that BA.2 leads to a more severe disease than previous Omicron sub-variants. “When we look at countries with more BA.2 cases, we don’t see any major unexpected jumps in hospitalization,” says Dr. Boris Pavlin of the WHO, quoted by the BBC. Dr. Meery Chand also points out that there is not enough evidence to date to determine whether BA.2 causes more severe disease than BA.1.

As with previous variants, experts believe vaccines will continue to be very effective in protecting against severe disease, hospitalization and death. ‘So far, evidence from our Danish colleagues shows that although BA.2 can spread faster, there is no evidence of increased severity,’ Prof. Seshadri Vasan, dealing with COVID-19 vaccines from the Australian research agency CSIRO. Therefore, it is important to remain calm and to continue with existing measures: immunization, including booster dose, respect for social distancing, masks and local guidelines.

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