Virologists are watching the emergence of a new subvariant of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, known as BA.2, or “stealth” Omicron

Health authorities have detected a new subvariant of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, known as BA.2, or “stealth” Omicron. Virologists are watching BA.2 closely as a surge of cases has occurred in multiple countries, including Denmark, which currently hosts most detections.

The World Health Organization has said the appearance of a subtype, called BA.2, is increasing in many countries. A pair of cases have also been found in Santa Clara County, Northern California’s most populous county.

Scientists and health officials around the world are keeping their eyes on BA.2, a descendant of the Omicron variant that has been found in at least 40 countries, including Australia.

What people are saying?

Matt Scarantino I honestly think this should be a wake-up call. We are not gonna vaccinate our way out of this. As more and more variants emerge and more boosters are rolled out, larger portions of the population are going to reject them. It’s time for a plan to cope, not to eradicate.

Rafa Another display of the insatiable appetite to sell more vaccines and endless boosters for what virology has and will do forever—adapt. And the “stealth” label is a perfect example of marketing fear.