Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 variants BA.3.2

Health experts believe that the emergence of new variants is a natural evolutionary process of the virus. Maintaining an epidemiological surveillance system and raising awareness of disease prevention in the community plays a crucial and necessary role.

On March 29, the Ministry of Health announced that, according to updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the SARS-CoV-2 BA.3.2 variant is now classified as a variant under monitoring. The WHO assesses the risk of this variant to public health as low compared to the currently circulating Omicron strains.

The new Covid-19 variant BA.3.2, also known as the “Cicada” variant, is a subtype of the Omicron variant being monitored for its transmissibility.

PHOTO: Hanoi CDC

According to the WHO, the BA.3.2 variant was first recorded in South Africa on November 22, 2024. Available data indicate that BA.3.2 exhibits some changes in antigenic properties and immune evasion under laboratory conditions. However, to date, there is no evidence to suggest that this variant increases disease severity, hospitalization, or mortality. The WHO also states that current COVID-19 vaccines continue to be effective in preventing severe disease progression and death.

The Ministry of Health continues to closely monitor the development of the epidemic and circulating variants worldwide, while directing the preventive health system, medical facilities, and related units to maintain surveillance, early detection, risk assessment, and readiness to respond when necessary.

The Ministry of Health advises people not to panic but also not to be complacent; proactively monitor their health, practice good personal hygiene, and go to medical facilities when suspicious symptoms appear, especially for the elderly, people with underlying diseases, pregnant women, and other high-risk groups.

Note the signs of respiratory illness that require hospitalization.

According to the Hanoi CDC, health experts say that BA.3.2 is a sub-variant of the Omicron lineage of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, and is being monitored through the epidemiological surveillance system for its potential spread.

Initial studies suggest that BA.3.2 carries multiple mutations in the spike protein, the structure that helps the virus attach to and enter human cells. There is currently no evidence to suggest that the BA.3.2 variant causes more severe illness than previous variants. Health authorities worldwide are continuing to monitor and evaluate the situation to provide appropriate recommendations.

Nevertheless, SARS-CoV-2 is still circulating and new variants are likely to emerge. Therefore, maintaining disease prevention measures in the community is essential, especially in crowded places and enclosed environments such as schools and healthcare facilities.

Health experts believe that the emergence of new variants is a natural evolutionary process of the virus. Therefore, maintaining an epidemiological surveillance system and raising awareness of disease prevention in the community plays a crucial and necessary role.

To proactively prevent the spread of disease, the health sector recommends that people continue to implement preventive measures such as: wearing masks when going to medical facilities, crowded places, or enclosed spaces; especially, those with symptoms such as cough, fever, or respiratory infections should proactively wear masks to limit the spread of infection to those around them. In addition, disinfection should be carried out regularly through handwashing with soap or hand sanitizer, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, desks, telephones, and personal devices.

People should proactively monitor their health and limit contact with others if they suspect they have the disease. In mild cases, they should rest, stay hydrated, and treat symptoms as directed by healthcare professionals. If severe symptoms such as high fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain appear, they should contact a medical facility for prompt examination and treatment.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/theo-doi-bien-the-sars-cov-2-ba32-185260329161624386.htm