It is unclear whether BA.2.86 causes more severe disease but its detection in several countries has put scientists on alert
A new Covid variant that is causing concern among scientists due to its large number of mutations has been detected inThe variant, named BA.2.86, has been detected through genetic sequencing, although only a handful of such sequences have so far been reported. The first was reported in Israel, with the variant since being detected in Denmark and the US.Dr Meera Chand, the deputy director of UKHSA, said: “We are aware of one confirmed case in the UK.
As well as outstanding questions over the severity of the variant, it is unclear whether it will become the dominant form of the virus. “The most plausible scenario is that the lineage acquired its mutations during a long-term infection in an immunocompromised person over a year ago and then spread back into the community,” he said.
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