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A leading expert on infectious diseases in Williamsport says the new variants and subvariants of omicron COVID-19 spread more rapidly than other variants and subvariants.
"New variants and subvariants aren't unexpected, and this certainly won't be the last one," said Dr. Rutul Dalal, medical director, Infectious Diseases, UPMC in North Central Pa.
"Known as 'stealth' omicron, the omicron subvariant BA.2 seems to spread more rapidly than other variants and subvariants," he said.
Omicron had a high transmission rate which may have helped health systems prepare for future variants.
"As we've seen omicron spread and start to decline, we're also seeing that most of the population is either vaccinated or has been infected, and there's a high chance that cross-immunity between variants, and in this case a subvariant, will occur," Dalal said.
"We do not know for sure what future variants will look like as they spread around the world," he said, adding "the data is suggesting that it is likely that this subvariant could extend our tail, meaning it might slow down the decrease in cases. But we're hopeful that it will not lead to a new wave of cases in the region."
It remains important that people know their risk and take steps to protect themselves like getting vaccinated and staying out of large, indoor crowds.
"Vaccinations and boosters remain one of the best ways we can continue to fight the spread of COVID-19.
"Vaccines seem to still prevent severe illness with both BA.1 and BA.2, and infection with the former seems to provide antibodies to fend off the latter," Dalal said.
We encourage everyone to stay the course and continue to follow the latest guidance on appropriate vaccination and boosters."