The new Corona variant Pirola concerns virologists and has already been found in several sewage treatment plants in Styria. However, experts assure us that there is no point in panicking.
People who voluntarily put on an FFP2 mask on public transport or in the supermarket are becoming increasingly common. More and more people are becoming ill due to Corona in their private lives. And then there are the media reports that researchers around the world are grappling with the new Pirola virus variant, which could potentially end the dominance of the currently dominant Omicron variant.
Covid-19 has not yet been defeated, but the fourth autumn since the outbreak of the pandemic cannot be compared to those of previous years – simply because politicians have lifted all protective measures and an infection no longer needs to be reported.
The viral load increases only slightly
Only wastewater monitoring provides insight into virus circulation in society. In Styria it is carried out in six sewage treatment plants: Graz-Gössendorf, Wildon, Hartberg, Kapfenberg, Knittelfeld and Schladming. About 50 percent of the population is covered and, in addition to larger cities, regions important for tourism are also explored.
No dramatic explosion of infections has been observed. “The viral load has fluctuated in recent weeks, the increase was small,” said Günter Siwetz, responsible for monitoring at the state medical directorate. Pirola (BA 2.86) has already been found in Styria, but so far only in small quantities in four sewage treatment plants (Gössendorf, Kapfenberg, Wildon and Schladming). In Gössendorf this share recently amounted to 3.9 percent. The XBB.1.9 variant continues to dominate in Styria and Austria
The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to classify Pirola as a ‘variant under surveillance’: the variant is therefore being closely monitored, but is not yet assessed as dangerous.
“That’s why no one needs to panic”
The Styrian hospitals are also not worried, even if they have to treat corona patients again. “That’s why no one needs to panic. We are far from an overload situation,” says Graz virologist Klaus Vander. A look at other countries would show a similar picture.
Anyone who feels sick should stay home; for the known risk groups, a vaccination against Covid would be recommended: “Anyone who has had previous diseases or is 60 years and older, immunization can be recommended,” says Vander. “And of course those who feel better protected by vaccination.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
