International
What is known about the new coronavirus variants under surveillance in the Americas?
August 28|
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has recently published a technical note on two variants of Omicron, descendants of the coronavirus, which have been under scrutiny in recent months.
These are the variants known scientifically as EG.5 and BA.2.86 and, to date, the findings suggest that, despite their presence, there appears to be no significant change in their impact on public health.
EG.5, the variant that put scientists on alert
EG.5, a variant derived from XBB.1.9.2 (itself from Omicron), was first detected in February 2023. But it was only last August 9 that health authorities classified it as a “Variant of Interest” (VOI). The PAHO report notes that there has been a steady increase in the proportion of reported EG.5 infections worldwide, and that countries such as Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, the United States and the Dominican Republic have also noted this trend. However, so far, no significant changes in disease severity related to this sublineage have been detected.
BA.2.86, variant under surveillance
BA.2.86 initially emerged in a sample taken in Denmark at the end of July 2023. Although it has been detected in other regions, only a total of seven sequences have been reported to date. The World Health Organization (WHO) classified it as a variant under surveillance on August 17 because it has a considerable number of mutations in the genes of the virus spicule.
So far, the available evidence on BA.2.86 is limited, which has led PAHO to indicate that “initial risk assessment will be generated shortly”. This suggests that more research is needed to better understand its transmission capacity, its ability to evade immune response and its potential severity.
Public health risk alert
PAHO has assessed the public health risk posed by EG.5 as low and comparable to that of other currently circulating variants of concern. However, the outlook for BA.2.86 is still under evaluation, underscoring the importance of maintaining constant vigilance on these emerging variants.
PAHO together with the World Health Organization (WHO) have reiterated that the recommendations to combat the spread of COVID-19 remain unchanged. In addition, it has urged all countries in the region to continue to collect representative samples for sequencing and to maintain adequate genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. This is essential as the virus continues to circulate and evolve.
WHO warns that many countries are underreporting new cases
Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO technical lead for COVID-19 issues, has reported that the EG.5 variant of the Omicron virus has a higher transmission capacity, but does not appear to be more severe than other variants.
In Van Kerkhove’s words, “we did not detect a change in the severity of the EG.5 variant compared to other Omicron sublineages that have been circulating since late 2021.” This suggests that, despite its increased ability to transmit, the EG.5 variant does not appear to cause a more severe form of the disease compared to other previously identified Omicron variants.
For his part, WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern that many countries were not reporting COVID-19-related data to WHO. He said that only 11% of countries had reported on hospitalizations and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions related to the virus.
In response to this situation, WHO issued a set of standing recommendations for COVID-19. In these recommendations, it urged countries to continue to report data on COVID-19, especially mortality and morbidity data, and to continue to offer vaccination.
Maria Van Kerkhove emphasized that the lack of data from many countries is hampering efforts to combat the virus. “About a year ago, we were in a much better situation to anticipate, act or be more agile. And now, the delay in our ability to do that is growing. And our ability to do so is decreasing,” he stressed.
The situation in the Americas
According to data provided by WHO, the health agency responsible for monitoring the evolution of the coronavirus worldwide, the last month has seen an alarming increase in the number of new cases of COVID-19, with more than 1.4 million new cases reported, representing a 63% increase compared to the previous period.
However, there has been a 56% decrease in the number of deaths during the same period. These data underscore the continued need to maintain stringent control and surveillance measures.
However, they stress that as the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to evolve, it is essential to maintain constant monitoring of emerging variants such as EG.5 and BA.2.86.
Although the risks appear to be low at this time, the situation may change, and it is vital to follow the recommendations of public health authorities and maintain active surveillance to ensure an effective response to the ongoing pandemic.
International
Study finds COVID-19 vaccines prevented 2.5 million deaths worldwide
COVID-19 vaccines prevented an estimated 2,533,000 deaths worldwide between 2020 and 2024, according to an international study led by Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy and Stanford University in the United States, published in the journal JAMA Health Forum. Researchers calculated that one death was prevented for every 5,400 doses administered.
The analysis also found that the vaccines saved 14.8 million years of life, equivalent to one year of life gained for every 900 doses given.
The study, coordinated by Professor Stefania Boccia, revealed that 82% of the lives saved were people vaccinated before becoming infected with the virus, and 57% of deaths avoided occurred during the Omicron wave. In addition, 90% of the beneficiaries were adults over 60 years old.
“This is the most comprehensive analysis to date, based on global data and fewer assumptions about the evolution of the pandemic,” explained Boccia and researcher Angelo Maria Pezzullo.
International
Trump administration blasts judge’s ruling reinstating TPS for Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump criticized a federal judge’s ruling on Friday that reinstated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua, stressing that the immigration program was never intended to serve as a “de facto asylum system.”
On Thursday, Judge Trina Thompson extended protections for about 7,000 Nepalese immigrants, whose TPS was set to expire on August 5. The ruling also impacts roughly 51,000 Hondurans and nearly 3,000 Nicaraguans, whose TPS protections were scheduled to end on September 8.
Immigrants covered by TPS had sued the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), alleging that the program’s termination was driven by “racial animus” and stripped them of protection from deportation.
DHS Deputy Undersecretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement saying the decision to end TPS was part of a mandate to “restore the integrity” of the immigration system and return the program to its original purpose.
“TPS was never conceived as a de facto asylum system; however, that is how previous administrations have used it for decades,” McLaughlin emphasized.
She also criticized Judge Thompson, calling the ruling “another example” of judges “stirring up claims of racism to distract from the facts.”
McLaughlin added that DHS would appeal the decision and take the legal battle to higher courts.
The Trump administration has also terminated TPS protections for approximately 160,000 Ukrainians, 350,000 Venezuelans, and at least half a million Haitians, among other immigrant groups.
International
Trump to build $200M ballroom at the White House by 2028
The U.S. government under President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that it will begin construction in September on a new 8,000-square-meter ballroom at the White House.
The announcement was made by Karoline Leavitt, the administration’s press secretary, during a briefing in which she explained that the expansion responds to the need for a larger venue to host “major events.”
“Other presidents have long wished for a space capable of accommodating large gatherings within the White House complex… President Trump has committed to solving this issue,” Leavitt told reporters.
The project is estimated to cost $200 million, fully funded through donations from Trump himself and other “patriots,” according to a government statement. Construction is scheduled to begin in September and is expected to be completed before Trump’s term ends in 2028.
The Clark Construction Group, a Virginia-based company known for projects such as the Capital One Arena and L’Enfant Plaza in Washington, D.C., has been selected to lead the project.
The new ballroom will be built on the East Wing of the White House, expanding the iconic residence with a space designed for state dinners, official ceremonies, and large-scale events.
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