A new Omicron BA.2.86 variant has been detected in France

A new variant of Covid-19 closely monitored by WHO, BA.2.86, was detected for the first time in France, Sainte-Publique France reported on Thursday, August 31. Parisian.

This member of the omicron family is particularly scrutinized “Large number of mutations”I am doing “More significantly evolved and easily spread”Last week the head of the group (Covars) for monitoring and anticipating health risks recalled Brigitte Autran.

This case of variation was found in the Grand Est, Public Health France said, insisting that it was “Initiated an investigation to gather epidemiological information to document this first case”. This variant has so far been detected in several countries, including the United States, Denmark or Israel, but has not yet been detected in France.

Nicknamed “Brola” on social media

WHO has decided to classify this new variant, nicknamed “Pyrola” on social networks, in the category of variants under surveillance because of the very high number (more than 30) mutations of the spike gene it carries. The spike protein is what gives the virus its spiky appearance and allows SARS-CoV-2 to enter host cells.

Although BA.2.86 caused a large spike in infections“When alpha, delta, or omicron variants were transmitted, we did not expect to see comparable levels of severe disease and mortality compared to what we did during epidemics,” he said. François Bouloux, chair of bioinformatics at University College London, commented recently.