Canada has recently identified its first case of coronavirus infection linked to the highly mutated BA.2.86 variant of Omicron, raising global concerns. This variant was initially discovered in Denmark just last month and is characterised by more than 35 mutations in crucial segments of the virus when compared to the previously dominant XBB.1.5 variant in 2023.
The United States, Switzerland, and Israel have also reported cases involving this novel variant.
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The Pirola variant, also known as BA.2.86, has prompted questions regarding its level of danger. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is concern that this variant may have an increased ability to infect individuals who have had prior COVID-19 infections or have been vaccinated.
A Reuters report highlights that this offshoot of the Omicron variant carries more than 35 mutations in key parts of the virus, similar to the original Omicron variant, which was notorious for causing a significant surge in infections compared to earlier strains.
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