Cases of the BA.2.75 variant, nicknamed 'Centaurus', are reportedly rising extremely quickly.
The WHO is closely following the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and, most recently, the latest variant of Omicron. The most recently identified are known as BA.4 and BA.5, which have been extremely transmissible in several countries.
Scientists in India have found that these subvariants are transmitted up to five times more easily than the original variant.
Read more: Covid-19 Ireland: Dublin doctor gives mask warning
So here’s everything you need to know about Centaurus:
When was it first detected?
It was first discovered in India in early May and has already made its way to several countries.
Is it easily transmissible?
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said that it is a “variant under monitoring” on July 7th.
Officials in India have confirmed that this variant spreads five times faster than others. It already represents 20 percent of new infections and has a growth advantage of 18 percent compared to other Covid sub-variants.
Should we be worried?
Marc Johnson, a professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at the University of Missouri’s school of medicine, told MedPage: "We don't really know if BA.2.75 is more transmissible or more severe at this point."
He added that Covid vaccines will provide “even less” protection against the most recent version of the virus, but it’s still important to be fully vaccinated and boosted.
What does 'Centaurus’ mean?
'Centaurus' is only a nickname for the variant and not its official name. A centaur is a creature from Greek mythology that has the upper body of a human and the lower body and legs of a horse said to be wild, savage, and lustful. This virus may have been given this name as it’s different to other variants.
Read more:
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- New Covid-19 variant: Expert warns to expect new wave every few months
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