The Coronavirus has three new variants: BA.4.6, BF.7, and BA.2.75, and they are spreading fast throughout the country.
Meet Rona’s new baby cousins, BA.4.6, BF.7 and BA.2.75. They now make up one in five new infections across the country, CBS News reports, per federal estimates. While the nation isn’t seeing many COVID-19 cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is suggesting that we don’t take the new stains lightly.
“With the combination of the evolution of variants, as well as the seasonal aspects, that as we get into this coming late fall and winter, it is likely that we will see another variant emerge,” said Dr. Fauci, chief medical adviser for President Joe Biden.
Right now, there are more than 150 cases of BA.2.75, which reportedly has the most “extreme antibody escape than any variant” that’s existed so far.
“BF.7 has one additional genetic change in the gene coding for the Spike protein in comparison to parental BA.5 lineage viruses. Data indicates that this specific genetic change could reduce the efficacy of Evusheld,” said CDC spokesperson Jasmine Reed in a statement to CBS news.
A spokesperson for the FDA said it is looking into the new strains.
“The FDA is working with sponsors of all currently authorized therapeutics to assess the activity against any global SARS-CoV-2 variant(s) of interest and is committed to communicating with the public as we learn more,” said Chanapa Tantibanchachai.
