The press secretary of Rospotrebnadzor informed journalists that a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, known as “Centaur” (officially classified as VA.2.75), has been identified in Russia. It was identified in India in May. The World Health Organization (WHO) first mentioned this variant almost two weeks ago, on July 6.
On July 13, the virus reached the Netherlands, and on Tuesday, July 19, its detection was reported by Russian authorities.
The new wave of COVID-19 infections in Moscow is specifically linked to “Kentavr”, according to Rospotrebnadzor. This gives Moscow residents every reason to be concerned. The number of new COVID cases in the Russian capital is increasing rapidly. In the last week alone, the same number of infected people were detected as in the previous two weeks combined.
The growing wave is clearly visible on the graph of illness rates over the past three months. Each column represents a day, and its height represents the number of new infections.
So far, this situation is only in the capital, where a “centaur” was detected. All five cases of infection in Russia are Moscow-based, clarified by Roskomnadzor. All five tests were performed in July. However, there is a big “but”. It is important to understand that statistics always lag behind the actual spread of the virus. Based on two years of pandemic experience, it can be said with confidence: “Kentaur” already exists in many Russian regions – it just hasn’t been identified yet.
For example, neither in the Moscow region nor in St. Petersburg has the “centaur” reached the official statistical figures. But the graph shows that the wave, suspiciously reminiscent of the one in Moscow, is already beginning to rise there. But with a delay – only a few days.
As usual, the reason not to relax is mainly because this Omicron subtype is new. Scientists are still studying it. So far, there are only a few samples available for study, and the early data is not very reassuring. Significant mutations have been found in a key fragment of the viral genome that determines its ability to enter our cells. Therefore, it is theoretically almost certain that it should be more resistant to the antibodies already produced by our bodies against COVID-19. In other words, more infectious. In support of this “increased contagiousness” theory, we already have some practice (see statistics above).
But there is good news. So far, according to doctors, the disease of all five “Moscow patients” is in a mild form. In any case, none of them needed medical help. In other words, while “centaur” is more contagious than its ancestor “omicron”, it is not nearly as dangerous. No more dangerous, let’s say, than the seasonal flu.
In general, there is no reason to panic, but there is every reason to be vigilant. In particular, follow the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the necessary precautions. Even if they seem excessive or meaningless to you personally.
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