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Virologist Isabella Eckerle observes the new corona variant BA.2.86. critical. According to the expert, the many mutations are “amazing”, which is why she urges caution.
The virologist Isabella Eckerle sees Germany “not well prepared” for the winter. It is about the new corona variant BA.2.86.. In an interview with Der Spiegel, the expert says that it is “amazing” “how many mutations this new variant has – genetically it differs about as much from omicron as omicron from the previous variants”. Eckerle is a professor at the Center for Novel Viral Diseases at the University Hospitals in Geneva.
The virologist suspects that BA.2.86 – the variant that has been detected in several countries such as Switzerland – could have an immune escape. This means that antibodies have a hard time recognizing the new corona variant and counteracting it accordingly. “The question now is whether it is fit enough, i.e. easily transferrable, and can therefore overtake the current variants. My assessment is: Yes, we will soon see an increase,” said Eckerl. At the same time, the omicron variant EG.5 is currently circulating, which is associated with an increase in laboratory-confirmed corona cases in Germany.
Given this development, the Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus should not be placed in the same category as cold viruses.
“I can’t see a stable condition”
“It will continue to make certain groups seriously ill and cause complications; we still don’t understand the mechanism behind it.” The expert mentions long covid and neurological diseases that are related to a corona infection and are not yet sufficiently understood. “And I can’t see a stable condition so far. I don’t think the virus is done with us yet, ”explains Eckerl in an interview with Spiegel.
At the same time, the virologist does not believe in the extent of the infections as at the beginning of the pandemic. Rather, serious infections would be replaced by a large number of infections, estimates the expert, who continues to advise caution.
According to her, a narrative was created last year according to which “all measures and vaccinations were exaggerated or even harmful”. However, that is not true. “How are you supposed to convince people now that there are situations in which it makes sense to wear a mask?” Eckerl emphasizes that it is important to prevent infection on public transport, in the emergency room, in doctor’s offices and in hospitals.
She herself will therefore probably have herself boosted again.
Source: mirror
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