- Omicron variant BA.2.86 is now making up a larger proportion of COVID cases, according to the CDC.
- Though BA.2.86 is growing, it seems to be about as transmissible and as severe as most other Omicron variants.
- With holiday gatherings approaching, people should get vaccinated and take precautions to avoid BA.2.86 infections.
Omicron variant BA.2.86—first detected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in August—appears to be picking up steam in the U.S., the agency announced Monday.
The most recent variant proportions data from the CDC show BA.2.86 (dubbed “Pirola”) making up just under 9% of cases in the U.S.—a threefold increase since two weeks ago when the variant made up 3% of cases. However, these are rough calculations; the CDC estimates that BA.2.86 could make up between 5% and 15% of all cases, currently.
Despite BA.2.86’s increase, the CDC said that the variant “does not appear to be driving increases in infections or hospitalizations” in the U.S. and that current tests, treatments, and vaccines are all expected to be effective against the variant.
In addition to BA.2.86, the CDC noted that cases of another variant—JN.1—are also expected to rise, though it’s still accounting for less than 1% of cases currently. However, both variants are still considered a low public health risk.
Here’s what we know so far about BA.2.86, why it’s causing an increase in COVID cases, and how to best protect yourself during the holiday season.
