“Most notable Sars-CoV-2 strain since Omicron”: These unusual symptoms point to “Pirola.”

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With the falling temperatures in autumn, corona cases are increasing again. This shows the viral load in the wastewater. But: It’s not just cold symptoms that make those affected sit up and pay attention.

The new Corona variant BA.2.86, also called “Pirola”, is currently under observation by the WHO. It first appeared in Denmark in July. There is little information about her. The disease was discovered in Switzerland in August. There have also been confirmed cases in South Africa, Israel, the US and Britain.

Particularly striking: “Pirola” has more than 30 mutations in the spike protein. The more mutations the variant has, the greater the risk that the immunity built up through vaccinations and previous diseases is no longer protective. “Pirola” is the “most striking Sars-CoV-2 strain the world has seen since Omicron was founded,” warns British scientist Francois Balloux.

Fewer cold symptoms

Not only the variant is striking, but also the symptoms. Because those affected do not have a runny nose, cough or headache as with other omicron variants. Instead, sick people mainly report diarrhea, eye inflammation and rashes. This is reported by the trade magazine ‘New Scientist’.

Reason to worry? Balloux makes it all clear: ‘Even in the worst-case scenario, where BA.2.86 triggered a major new wave of cases, we do not expect similar severe illnesses and deaths to those seen at the beginning of the pandemic, when Alpha, Delta, or Omicron- spread.”

The Federal Office for Public Health and the Federal Commission for Vaccination Issues adjusted their vaccination recommendations this week. People who are at particular risk should definitely get vaccinated. Israel is the first country to re-mandate PCR testing in hospitals. There are currently no special measures in Switzerland. (jwg)

Source: Blick