Early detection of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants is critical to assessing risk, providing clear and timely communication messages, and coordinating public health action. CDC used a multicomponent surveillance approach to track the global spread of the SARS-CoV-2 variant BA.2.86.
SARS-CoV-2 Under Surveillance
To keep track of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, institutions tasked with viral surveillance need to devote more resources to genome sequencing
March 4, 2021
In this illustration of SARS-CoV-2, just
half the virion is displayed to reveal coiled RNA that would otherwise remain hidden within the capsid. This RNA accumulates mutations, resulting in SARS-CoV-2 variants that threaten to outpace the development of vaccines and antivirals.
To identify the variants as they arise, laboratories must step up their sequencing efforts. [Joao Paulo Burini/Getty Images]
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Every pandemic is attended by expressions of fear and grief, the imposition of life-altering public health measures, and attempts to blame foreigners or other disfavored peoples. In all these respects, the current COVID-19 pandemic is like its predecessors. But the COVID-19 pandemic is playing out differently in terms of surveillance. COVID-19’s causative agent the SARS-CoV-2 virus can