<
https://arstechnica.com/health/2023/08/ba-2-86-shows-just-how-risky-slacking-off-on-covid-monitoring-is/>
"A remarkably mutated coronavirus variant classified as BA.2.86 seized
scientists' attention last week as it popped up in four countries, including
the US.
So far, the overall risk posed by the new subvariant is unclear. It's possible
it could lead to a new wave of infection; it's also possible (perhaps most
likely) it could fizzle out completely. Scientists simply don't have enough
information to know. But, what is very clear is that the current precipitous
decline in coronavirus variant monitoring is extremely risky.
In a single week, BA.2.86 was detected in four different countries, but there
are only six genetic sequences of the variant overall—three from Denmark, and
one each from Israel, the UK, and the US (Michigan). The six detections suggest
established international distribution and swift spread. It's likely that more
cases will be identified. But, with such scant data, little else can be said of
the variant's transmission or possible distribution."
Via Violet Blue’s
Pandemic Roundup: August 24, 2023
https://www.patreon.com/posts/pandemic-roundup-88174195
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
