New versions of Omicron found

Scientists have found 21 viral offspring linked with BA.2 that may outpace the most successful subvariant of Omicron variant so far.

BA.2 has been picking up mutations, sometimes shifting into sleeker and, incredibly, even faster versions of itself, CNN reported.

While most of the mutations look like underachievers, and of little consequence, two of these offshoots — BA.2.12.1 and BA.2.12 — have been fueling a rise in Covid-19 cases and hospitalisations in central New York.

And one of them, BA.2.12.1, is outpacing BA.2 in other regions, too, the report said.

According to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, BA.2.12.1 caused 19 per cent of new Covid infections in the US last week, up from an estimated 11 per cent of cases the week before.

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