New Omicron Variants Competing Ahead of Expected Winter Surge

New Omicron Variants , Competing Ahead of Expected , Winter Surge.

'The Independent' reports that new variants of COVID have continued to spread around the world, leading experts to warn of rising cases.

Three new strains of Omicron have emerged: Eris, Pi and Pirola.

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According to the Zoe Health Study, the United Kingdom has recorded over 93,083 new cases as of September 3.

In its latest update, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that ICU and hospital admission rates have increased across most age groups.

According to virologist Lawrence Young, the latest Omicron variant to emerge this summer is BA.2.86, otherwise known as Pirola.

As of August 23, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had only detected two cases of Pirola in the U.S. Another Omicron variant, EG.5.1, otherwise known as Eris, was first identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) on August 9.

It has become the most prevalent variant circulating in the U.S. and the second most prevalent variant in the UK.

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It has become the most prevalent variant circulating in the U.S. and the second most prevalent variant in the UK.

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Virologist Professor Lawrence Young warns that Eris has an additional mutation , "which might account for its ability to evade the neutralizing antibody response from previous Omicron infections.".

Two other currently circulating variants are XBB.1.16, or Arcturus, which is the most common variant in the UK, and BA.6, or Pi, another Omicron variant.