BA.2.86, or Pirola, is a descendant of the parent lineage (B.1.1.529).[3][4] It has been known to media since August 2023.[4] Research has not shown (as of 2023's third quarter) if this variant can possibly be more dangerous than other variants that are in circulation (or spreading infection from some people to more people).[4][5] The variant has been found in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.[4] It has "dozens of genetic changes".[4] Related page: mutation.
BA.2.86, samples are from as early as July 2023; It is on the list of Variants under monitoring (according to WHO, as of 2023's third quarter).[6] The variant is a descendant of the parent lineage (or B.1.1.529) of the Omicron variant.
Other descendants of the parent lineage (B.1.1.529)
EG.5, sometimes called Eris,[7] sampled since February 2023, listed as Variants of interest (according to WHO, as of 2023's third quarter)[6]
XBB, sampled since August 2022, listed as Variants under monitoring (as of 2023's third quarter)[6]
BA.2.75, sampled since 2021, listed as Variants under monitoring (as of 2023's third quarter)[6]
Out of circulation
Lineage, B.1.1.529 (the parent lineage of the Omicron variant) seems to be out of circulation (according to WHO, in March 2023).[8]
Information from 2022
Omicron multiplies around 70 times faster than the Delta variant in the bronchi, but it is less severe than other strains, especially the Delta variant.[9][10] Omicron might be less able to enter deep lung tissue.[11] Omicron infections are 91 percent less fatal than the delta variant, with 51 percent less risk of hospitalization.[12]
Vaccines can protect against severe disease and hospitalisation especially after a third dose of an mRNA vaccine is given.[13][14] Early data found that double vaccination give 30 to 40 percent protection against infection and around 70 percent protection against hospitalization. A recent third vaccine dose boosts effectiveness against infection to around 75 percent, and 88 percent for severe disease.[15]
↑Harvard Medical School (6 January 2022). "Coronavirus Resource Center - Harvard Health". Harvard Health Publishing. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 7 January 2022. Lab studies, animal studies, and epidemiological data all indicate that Omicron may cause less severe disease than previous variants.
↑David Leonhardt (5 January 2022). "Omicron Is Milder". The New York Times. Retrieved 7 January 2022. A few weeks ago, many experts and journalists were warning that the initial evidence from South Africa — suggesting that Omicron was milder than other variants — might turn out to be a mirage. It has turned out to be real.
