Rapidly Spreading COVID Variant BA.2.86 Triples in Prevalence, Poses Low Risk

The BA.2.86 variant of COVID-19 is estimated to account for nearly 1 in 10 new cases in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is nearly triple the agency's previous estimate two weeks ago. The variant's prevalence is highest in the Northeast, particularly in the New York and New Jersey region. The CDC's latest estimate suggests that BA.2.86 accounts for 8.8% of new cases, up from 3.0% on November 11. While the variant does not appear to cause worse or different symptoms, it is classified as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organization. The CDC believes that BA.2.86 does not currently drive increases in infections or hospitalizations in the U.S.