Surge in COVID variant BA.2.86 cases alarms CDC

Cases of the COVID-19 variant Omicron BA.2.86, also known as Pirola, have tripled in two weeks, comprising between 5% and 15% of all infections, according to a CDC report. Despite its prevalence, BA.2.86 does not appear to be driving increases in infections or hospitalizations in the United States. The CDC and WHO consider the public health risk posed by this variant to be low compared to other circulating variants. The updated COVID-19 vaccines are believed to increase protection against BA.2.86, as they do for other variants. It is recommended that high-risk groups continue to adopt risk-mitigating behaviors and consult with their physicians about booster shots.