The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that a new COVID-19 variant, BA.5, has been detected in the US. BA.5 is a subvariant of Omicron, and is thought to be more transmissible than previous variants.
The CDC said that BA.5 is now the dominant variant in the US, accounting for over 70% of cases. The agency said that BA.5 is also more likely to evade immunity from previous infections or vaccination.
However, the CDC said that there is no evidence that BA.5 causes more severe illness than other variants. The agency said that the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and boosted.
The CDC also said that people should wear masks in indoor public settings, especially if they are at high risk for severe illness.
The detection of BA.5 in the US comes as cases of COVID-19 are starting to rise again. The CDC said that the number of new cases has increased by 30% in the past two weeks.
The agency said that the rise in cases is likely due to a number of factors, including the more transmissible BA.5 variant, the lifting of mask mandates, and the summer travel season.
The CDC said that it is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as needed.
Experts warn that BA.5 could lead to another wave of COVID-19
In addition to the CDC, a number of experts have warned that BA.5 could lead to another wave of COVID-19.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that BA.5 is “the most transmissible variant we’ve seen.” He said that it is “very likely” that BA.5 will lead to another wave of COVID-19.
Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, said that BA.5 is “a very dangerous variant.” He said that it is “more transmissible than Delta, and it’s also more likely to evade immunity from previous infections or vaccination.”
Dr. Osterholm said that he expects BA.5 to lead to a “significant wave” of COVID-19 in the fall. He said that the best way to protect yourself from BA.5 is to get vaccinated and boosted.
New COVID-19 Variant BA.5 Detected in the US
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that a new COVID-19 variant, BA.5, has been detected in the US. BA.5 is a subvariant of Omicron, and is thought to be more transmissible than previous variants.
The CDC said that BA.5 is now the dominant variant in the US, accounting for over 70% of cases. The agency said that BA.5 is also more likely to evade immunity from previous infections or vaccination.
However, the CDC said that there is no evidence that BA.5 causes more severe illness than other variants. The agency said that the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and boosted.
The CDC also said that people should wear masks in indoor public settings, especially if they are at high risk for severe illness.
The detection of BA.5 in the US comes as cases of COVID-19 are starting to rise again. The CDC said that the number of new cases has increased by 30% in the past two weeks.
The agency said that the rise in cases is likely due to a number of factors, including the more transmissible BA.5 variant, the lifting of mask mandates, and the summer travel season.
The CDC said that it is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as needed.
Experts warn that BA.5 could lead to another wave of COVID-19
In addition to the CDC, a number of experts have warned that BA.5 could lead to another wave of COVID-19.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that BA.5 is “the most transmissible variant we’ve seen.” He said that it is “very likely” that BA.5 will lead to another wave of COVID-19.
Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, said that BA.5 is “a very dangerous variant.” He said that it is “more transmissible than Delta, and it’s also more likely to evade immunity from previous infections or vaccination.”
Dr. Osterholm said that he expects BA.5 to lead to a “significant wave” of COVID-19 in the fall. He said that the best way to protect yourself from BA.5 is to get vaccinated and boosted.
Tips for staying safe from BA.5
Here are some tips for staying safe from BA.5:
- Get vaccinated and boosted.
- Wear a mask in indoor public settings, especially if you are at high risk for severe illness.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home if you are sick.
The CDC also has a number of resources on its website about how to stay safe from COVID-19.
