Rapid spread of BA.2.86 COVID variant alarms CDC

The BA.2.86 variant of COVID-19 has seen a threefold increase in the United States in recent weeks, now estimated to account for nearly 10% of circulating viruses, according to the CDC's Nowcast variant tracker. While the exact percentage is uncertain, health officials believe the variant likely makes up 5% to 15% of circulating variants. The increase in hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 is concerning, and colder temperatures in densely populated regions may be contributing to the rise. The BA.2.86 variant is a sub-variant of omicron and is not currently driving increases in infections or severe illness. However, it has been classified as a "variant of interest" by the WHO. New York and New Jersey have seen the highest figures of BA.2.86 cases, and health officials are urging people to stay updated on vaccines and get tested if symptoms develop.