Health experts have been sure for months that a new corona wave will head towards Austria in the autumn. The virus variant BA.2.75, unofficially known as “Centaurus”, is probably responsible for this, but it has not been detected in this country – so far.
The sub-variant of the omicron virus has made headlines around the world in recent weeks. While there is still very little information about BA.2.75, previous studies suggest that it is again much more contagious and thus could become the new dominant variant as the pandemic continues.
According to a Dutch study, small specific mutations should also ensure that the virus should be able to evade the immunity built up by vaccination or previous Covid 19 infection.
First cases of infection in Salzburg
As the GISAID initiative in Munich now shows, the variant has already been detected in two cases in Salzburg. GISAID is a global scientific initiative that collects the genome data of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. The BA.2.75 samples reported for Salzburg were therefore already taken on June 28 – the variant could therefore have spread further.
However, the Agency for Health and Food Safety does not yet show the new variant on its website and therefore does not confirm the cases of contamination. However, when asked, AGES explained that not all samples were broken down accordingly. BA.5 is currently still dominant in Austria.
“Variant under observation”
The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has classified BA.2.75 as a “variant under observation” since early July. This means it can be more contagious and associated with a more serious illness. However, the evidence for this is weak or not yet established.
As the virologist Tom Peacock of Imperial College London explained via Twitter, the pathogen has several mutations in the spike protein with which the virus attacks human cells. Taken individually, the changes aren’t particularly alarming, but taken as a whole, they’re “alarming.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
