"Study Warns: New Covid Variant More Deadly Than Earlier Versions"

A new study from The Ohio State University suggests that the BA.2.86 Covid variant, a mutation of the Omicron BA.2 subvariant, may be more deadly and efficient at infecting human lung cells than previous versions. The variant has been linked to a resurgence in hospital admissions, with concerns about its potential to cause more severe lower respiratory infections. However, despite lab tests indicating increased severity, official data has not reflected this. The bivalent booster vaccine has been found to be effective at neutralizing BA.2.86, explaining why it has not caused a significant wave of infections.