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
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
A U.S. strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean killed three people on Saturday, according to Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth, marking the latest in a series of attacks in international waters.
The United States has deployed ships to the Caribbean and sent fighter jets to Puerto Rico as part of a large military force that Washington says is aimed at curbing drug trafficking.
“This vessel, like all the others, was known to our intelligence for being involved in illicit narcotics smuggling,” Hegseth stated on X. “Three narcoterrorists were aboard the vessel during the attack, which took place in international waters,” he added.
Experts argue that the attacks, which began in early September, amount to extrajudicial executions, even if the targets are known traffickers.
Washington has yet to publicly provide evidence that the targeted individuals were actively smuggling drugs or posed a threat to the United States.
Hegseth said the U.S. would continue “hunting… and killing” suspected traffickers. He also shared video footage of the strike, showing the vessel being hit and engulfed in flames. As in previous videos, sections of the ship were blurred, making it impossible to verify the number of people on board.
The United Nations called on Friday for Washington to halt its attacks.
International
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
At least 23 people were killed and 11 others injured in an explosion at a supermarket in Hermosillo, in the northern Mexican state of Sonora, local authorities reported on Saturday.
“So far, there are 23 confirmed deaths and 11 injured, including minors,” said Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo in a video message. He added that the injured are receiving treatment in various hospitals across the city.
“I have ordered a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the causes of the incident and assign responsibility where appropriate,” Durazo said.
The explosion occurred at a Waldo’s store in downtown Hermosillo. Local authorities confirmed that the incident was not an attack nor related to any violent act against civilians.
Meanwhile, Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences on X, offering sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
International
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
The death toll from heavy rains and flooding in central Vietnam has risen to 28, with six people reported missing and 43 injured, local newspaper VnExpress reported Friday night.
More than 22,100 homes remain flooded, primarily in the cities of Hue and Da Nang. Floods and landslides have destroyed or swept away 91 houses and damaged another 181, the report added.
Around 245,000 households are still without electricity, particularly in Da Nang, where over 225,000 homes are affected.
Additionally, 80 stretches of national highways are blocked or disrupted due to landslides. Authorities expect the flooding to continue for another day or two in the region.
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