International

What is known about the new coronavirus variants under surveillance in the Americas?

Photo: ISTOCK

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Mexico City Mayor Invites U2 to Perform at Iconic Zócalo Plaza

Irish rock band U2, which spent Tuesday and Wednesday filming a new music video for its song Street of Dreams in the Historic Center of Mexico City, received an invitation to perform at the capital’s iconic Zócalo square from Mayor Clara Brugada.

Brugada shared the invitation through social media posts accompanied by photos and a video showing her meeting with the band members.

“This is an invitation for you to perform in our wonderful public square, the Zócalo. You are welcome here, and we would love to have you,” Brugada said in the video while handing a document to Bono, the band’s lead singer.

Bono responded by saying that the group would like “to begin its new tour in Mexico City.”

Referencing one of the band’s most famous songs, In the Name of Love, Brugada said she was greeting Bono along with The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr..

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“Welcoming U2 to our capital means celebrating music, connection and the emotion that can be felt in every corner of this city,” Brugada wrote in one of her messages. “We are a city open to the world, vibrant and full of stories shared from the stage to the streets.”

She also described the Zócalo as “the country’s most important public square” and a cultural landmark for Latin America.

Over the years, the Zócalo has hosted massive concerts by internationally renowned artists and bands including Roger Waters, Paul McCartney, Manu Chao, Café Tacvba, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Los Tigres del Norte, La Maldita Vecindad, Silvio Rodríguez, Joan Manuel Serrat, Rosalía and Shakira, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans.

International

Marco Rubio Urges China to Help Restrain Iran Amid Gulf Tensions

Marco Rubio said Wednesday that Washington hopes to persuade China to take a more active role in stopping Iran from escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf, arguing that the crisis directly threatens Asian commercial interests.

“It is in China’s interest to resolve this situation. We hope to convince them to play a more active role in getting Iran to stop what it is doing now and trying to do in the Persian Gulf,” Rubio said during an interview with journalist Sean Hannity on Fox News while traveling aboard Air Force One.

The top U.S. diplomat said the conflict and concerns over the possible disruption of the Strait of Hormuz have already affected China’s interests.

Rubio noted that “a Chinese cargo ship was struck over the weekend,” referring to the exchange of attacks reported last Friday between Iran and the United States.

The remarks come amid growing international concern over rising tensions in the region and the potential impact on global trade routes and energy supplies.

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International

Trump floats Vance-Rubio potential Republican ticket for 2028 election

U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on Monday that Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubiocould potentially form a Republican presidential ticket for the 2028 elections.

Speaking during a dinner with law enforcement officials as part of National Police Week, Trump publicly praised both officials and said they could make “an ideal team” for the next presidential race.

“Who likes JD Vance? Who likes Marco Rubio?” Trump asked attendees before adding that the pair “sound like a good combination.”

The president highlighted his vice president’s performance in office, stating that their current partnership has been highly effective. “JD is perfect, that has been a perfect formula,” Trump told reporters later.

He further suggested that a Vance-Rubio pairing could represent a strong presidential and vice-presidential ticket, although he stopped short of offering any formal endorsement.

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“I think it sounds like a presidential candidate and a vice-presidential candidate,” he said, while clarifying that his remarks should not be interpreted as an official backing of any future campaign.

So far, neither Vance nor Rubio has publicly confirmed any intention to run in the 2028 presidential election.

Rubio previously sought the Republican nomination in 2016 but withdrew after losing the primary race to Trump. Later, in a December 2025 interview with Vanity Fair, he said he would be among the first to support Vance if he decided to run for the White House.

Vance, meanwhile, has recently dismissed speculation of any political rivalry with Rubio amid growing discussion about potential future GOP leadership.