New SARS-CoV-2 variant BA.2.86 detected: UKHSA releases initial risk assessment amid global concerns

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has unveiled its preliminary risk analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 variant BA.2.86, a strain first detected in the UK on 18 August. International traces of this variant have been found in countries including Israel, Denmark, and the US.

Distinctively genomically distant from its likely progenitor, BA.2, and the prevalent XBB-derived strains, BA.2.86 showcases a substantial number of mutations. With one confirmed non-travel related case in the UK, concerns arise regarding potential community transmission. Comprehensive studies are in the pipeline to determine the scope of this spread.

The depth of data at hand is currently inadequate to gauge the variant’s relative severity or its capability to evade immunity when compared to existing circulating strains.

UKHSA releases initial risk assessment on newly detected SARS-CoV-2 variant BA.2.86. Image courtesy of Gerd Altmann from Pixabay.

Dr. Meera Chand, the Deputy Director of UKHSA, shed light on the urgency of the situation. “Designated as V-23AUG-01 based on international dispersion and its significant genomic mutation, we’re closely tracking this variant via standard surveillance measures,” she remarked. She emphasized that while one case has been confirmed within the UK, a thorough assessment by UKHSA is ongoing.

The UKHSA has committed to persistently scrutinizing the evolving scenario. Comprehensive analysis results and further insights are expected to be disseminated in the near future.