BA.2 numbers around the world are rising, with at least 40 countries reporting cases.
Scientists warn that omicron's whirlwind spread across the globe practically ensures it won't be the last worrisome coronavirus variant.
The evolution of COVID-19 subvariants is not new. The delta variant also had several subvariants, but scientists referred to all of them as delta. BA.2, however, has earned its own designation due to rising numbers across several nations. Conventional COVID-19 tests can show a positive or a negative result, but they can't determine specific variants. For that, scientists need to do additional genetic sequencing. Conveniently, the omicron variant has a particular genetic signature that allows scientists to quickly and easily determine if the sample is omicron or not.
Ultimately, while scientists and public health officials are urging continued research and surveillance, experts say there is little reason to worry.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Omicron sub-variant discovered in U.S.: What is known so far about BA.2A new sub-variant of the omicron variant of COVID-19, known as BA.2, has been discovered in the U.S. and several other countries.
Read more »
As BA.2 variant spreads to US, WHO warns of future virus mutationsAs the latest wave of COVID-19 infections begins to subside in the United States, the head of the World Health Organization warned the end of the pandemic might not be as near as some would like to believe, and a coordinated global effort may be needed to reduce the risk posed by future variants. “It is dangerous to assume that omicron will be the last variant or that we’re in the endgame,” Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in remarks to the WHO executive board Monday.
Read more »
11 cases of new omicron subvariant BA.2 detected in California11 cases of new omicron subvariant BA.2 detected in California, state public health department confirms to KTVU. Several cases confirmed in Santa Clara County, Dr. Sara Cody says
Read more »
What we know about the Omicron sub-variant BA.2Experts caution against sounding the alarm bell and say there is no evidence that BA.2 is deadlier, while there are indications that it could be more transmissible than the original Omicron variant.
Read more »
Scientists keep an eye on 'stealth' Omicron variant BA.2This version of the coronavirus, which scientists call BA.2, has been found in at least 40 countries, including the U.S.
Read more »
New Omicron subvariant BA.2 detected in WashingtonA new sub-variant of COVID-19, the BA.2 variant, has been detected in Washington, health officials announced Monday.
Read more »