Variants of SARS-CoV-2

Preliminary reports indicate that strains of the FLiRT variant of "Omicron" have been detected in Bulgaria, according to Prof. Iva Hristova, director of the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases. The BA2.86 subvariant, which has been spreading rapidly, has led to the emergence of several subvariants now collectively known as FLiRT.

Gikas Magiorkinis, professor of hygiene and epidemiology at the University of Athens, has confirmed an outbreak of cases of the new Covid variant in Greece called FLiRT. 

Speaking to Skai TV, he said it emerged in Greece about two weeks ago and there has been an increase in cases and hospitalizations. 

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning regarding a new mutation of the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, known as the FLiRT variants. These variants have emerged from the analysis of sewage samples, indicating a shift in the virus's genetic makeup.

As New Year's Eve festivities draw near, an expert has warned that "caution should be exercised" in crowded celebrations in light of the new JN.1 sub-variant of COVID-19 spread.

The European Commission has granted approval for the Nuvaxovid XBB.1.5-adapted COVID-19 vaccine, a groundbreaking step in the fight against the ever-evolving pandemic. Developed by Novavax, this marks the first protein-based vaccine tailored to address the unique challenges posed by the autumn-winter season.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States are monitoring a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, reported AFP. The potential significance of the numerous mutations is currently unknown.

Preclinical data on the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine developed at MedUni Vienna show that it is effective against all known variants of SARS-CoV-2, including Omicron - even in individuals who have not yet developed immunity to SARS-CoV-2 as result of vaccination (unresponsive cases). The survey data was recently published in the leading journal Allergy.

The advent and rapid prevalence of the Omicron strain demonstrates the potential of SARS-CoV-2 to evolve its ability to transmit and cause disease. What is particularly surprising, however, is that the origin of the Omicron strain does not appear to have originated from any of the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variants such as the Alpha, Beta, Gamma or Delta strains.

A sensational statement - given that we have not yet "gotten rid" of the Omicron and Delta mutations and scientists in many countries object to the easing of anti-pandemic measures - was made by Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Member of the Committee of Experts Gkikas Magiorkinis.

The new sub-variant of Omicron BA.2 is already in Bulgaria. This is shown by data published on the website of the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (NCIPD).