New variants of Corona remain a cause of concern for scientists. Experts are concerned about the nature of new variants of Omicron such as Eris (EG.5) and Pirola (BA.2.86). Studies have found more mutations in these variants which are believed to increase its infectivity rate and vaccine evasion potential. Health experts say, more than 30 mutations have been observed in Pirola, which can be a cause of great concern.
According to recent reports, Pirola has reached many countries including the UK, the US, Israel, Denmark, and South Africa in a very short period. Scientists say, one more thing to be noted about the new variants is that due to these new variants, cases across the world have doubled in just a week.
Health experts say these variants with more mutations are a big risk to global health, and all countries need to be alert about this.
The infectivity rate of new variants may be higher
According to media reports, there are not enough studies available yet to make any concrete claims about the new variants, but preliminary research has found that they may be more infectious than the current variants of Corona. Pirola is also a variant of Omicron, from which another sub-variant EG.5.1 has been seen before.
Scientists say that, given the nature of the Omicron variants, there is currently little concern that these new sub-variants will cause any serious disease, although it is very important to make efforts to prevent it.
What do experts say?
Scott Roberts, an infectious diseases expert at Yale Medicine, said in a medical report that the high number of mutations in these new variants is remarkable, a similar number of mutations were seen in the early variants of Delta.
It is important to know here that mutations in variants mean they may be different compared to the earlier variants. Apart from this, due to an increase in mutations, its ability to dodge the immunity formed in the body due to vaccines and previous infections also increases significantly.
What are the symptoms of pirola and is it more deadly?
According to initial media reports, fever and common cold-flu-like symptoms are generally seen in BA.2.86 infected people. Apart from this, problems like cough, fatigue, headache and body pain, loss of appetite, conjunctivitis, rashes on the body, diarrhea, and difficulty in breathing are also seen in some people.
It is unclear whether pirola is more serious than other types. However, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) believes that even vaccinated people may be at risk of getting infected by the BA.2.86 variant.
Will masks be needed again?
Looking at the increasing cases of infection of new variants and their nature, health experts say that in countries where cases of infection are increasing, everyone needs to be serious about COVID-19 Appropriate Behavior. Apart from this, since the cases of infection have increased rapidly in many countries within the last one month, there is a need to continue efforts for prevention at all places. In some states of America, people have also been recommended to wear masks again. Health experts say, this is not mandatory, but it can be an effective way to prevent corona.
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