Over a million of new Covid-19 mutation cases registered within a month, WHO reports

SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, is perpetually in a state of flux, amassing mutations within its genetic makeup as time elapses. Fresh strains of SARS-CoV-2 are predicted to keep surfacing. A few will come and go, whereas others will appear and uphold their propagation, possibly displacing former versions, as documented by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Coronavirus hasn’t been wiped out for good, but thanks to vaccinations and improved social management, it has diminished, as reported by various media outlets.

In the 28 days ending August 3, according to the latest World Health Organization report, over a million new COVID-19 cases were reported globally, along with more than 3,100 deaths. This raises the death toll to nearly 7 million since the pandemic’s inception.

Public health agencies are monitoring the proliferation of three fresh COVID-19 mutations in the United States. Rates of COVID-19 hospital admittances and fatalities remain well below those reported last summer, as well as during winter surges of the virus, but they have exhibited a consistent upward trend over the last several weeks, US media outlets have noted.

A few novel subvariants have attracted the worldwide attention of public health authorities: EG.5, colloquially known as “Eris”; FL.1.5.1, unofficially labeled “Fornax”; and BA.2.86, also known as “Pirola.” However, the EG.5 variant has established itself as the predominant strain in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.

Sputnik offers insights into what is known about these COVID-19 strains so far.

EG.5 represents a mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, originating from the XBB or Gryphon lineage, which can be traced back to the Omicron variant. In its most recent assessment, the World Health Organization classified EG.5, encompassing the EG.5.1 subvariant, as a noteworthy viral strain warranting surveillance by countries.

Although EG.5 could contribute to rising case numbers, the WHO emphasized that it presents a minor public health threat compared to other Omicron offshoots, as there is no indication of it causing critical health conditions.

FL.1.5.1 is a derivative of the XBB variant lineage, and it possesses a mutation, F456L, with EG.5, which appears to be enhancing its transmission capabilities compared to other virus variants.

“Pirola,” also known as BA.2.86, was first detected in late July and has caused a limited number of infections globally. An expert mentioned that it has its roots in the omicron BA.2 sub-group, which led to significant virus outbreaks in early 2022.

As per the CDC, BA.2.86 presents more than 35 genetic variations compared to the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariants, which held sway for most of 2023 and will be the primary focus of new COVID boosters this autumn.

Among the rapidly spreading Omicron variants right now, XBB comprises BQ.1.1, BQ.1, BQ.1.3, and BA.2.3.20, states Dr. Thomas Russo, M.D., Professor and the chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York.

According to a preliminary study published by researchers in China, XBB can evade the antibody defenses against these recently emerged COVID variants.