By Ben Hurst

Copyright dailyrecord

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has flagged a fresh Covid variant as ‘of interest’ which demonstrates concerning resistance to antibodies. The body classified the BA.3.2 strain of Covid as one it plans to ‘closely monitor’ in today’s announcement, with the variant already spotted across Europe. The WHO characterised it as a ‘potentially emerging’ variant that could spread widely. At present, the WHO is collecting information for vaccine producers to utilise in combating the newest mutations this winter, when infections are anticipated to surge. The UK Health Security Agency has stated that the two most prevalent current variants are the XFG and NB. 1.8.1 – occasionally called the Stratus and Nimbus variants. Should the BA.3.2 variation, which remains unnamed, reach the UK, it’s recognised for its ability to ‘evade’ antibodies and is consequently more hazardous for transmission amongst vaccinated populations. A study published in the medical Lancet journal earlier this year noted : “Our findings suggest that BA.3.2 (A) and BA.3.2 (B) might enter cells slightly less efficiently than the parental BA.3 variant; however, BA.3.2 (A) and BA.3.2 (B) might be able to evade the neutralising antibodies used for COVID-19 therapy or those induced by vaccination with a markedly higher efficiency. “The evasion of antibodies by the variants in individuals vaccinated with the JN.1-booster vaccine was similar to, or greater than, that observed for the currently dominating LP8.1.1 variant. These observations suggest that BA.3.2-particularly BA.3.2 (B)-may disseminate within populations with high antibody levels, thereby warranting close monitoring.” The report also noted that earlier this year a ‘highly mutated’ descendant of the omicron subvariant BA. 36 was detected in South Africa. It continued: “In April, 2025, the variant, designated as BA.3.2, was also detected in the Netherlands, raising the possibility of global dissemination. BA.3.2 harbours more than 50 S protein mutations compared with BA.3 (appendix pp 2, 13), which might have profoundly altered the cell entry and antibody-mediated neutralisation of BA.3.2. “. The new strain, known as Stratus, has two variants, XFG and XFG. 3, with some experts suggesting that the variant is known for its unique symptom of giving people a hoarse voice. Despite accounting for a large proportion of new cases, experts are not overly concerned about the spread, noting it is normal for viruses to mutate and change. The UKHSA has provided an update on the current variants of concern in the country, stating: “The most common current variants are the XFG and NB.1.8.1 (sometimes referred to in the media as the Stratus and Nimbus variants). Our genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 lineages last month found that 35% were classified as XFG.3, 28% were classified as XFG, 11% were classified as NB.1.8.1, 7% were classified as XFG.5 and 7% were classified as XFG.3.4.1. “Current data does not indicate that these variants lead to more severe illness than other variants in circulation. “It’s normal for viruses to mutate and change, and as more data becomes available on these variants we’ll have a better understanding of how they interact with our immune systems and how to optimise our protection, as well as actions we can take to keep the most vulnerable safe and live our lives as normally as possible. The most important thing is for those eligible to get their vaccination when it is due.” It said: “If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you should avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible. “For those of us who absolutely can’t stay at home, the Living with COVID guidance remains unchanged, and will reduce the chance of passing on your infection to others