Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 Variants on Different States

A new COVID-19 variant, BA.2.86, with over 30 genetic mutations has raised concerns among infectious disease experts due to its potential to evade immune responses from vaccines and prior infections. While the variant has not been detected in Wisconsin yet, experts believe that the level of genomic sequencing has dropped, making it likely that variants are spreading undetected. It is still unknown how severe the BA.2.86 strain is or if it will cause more severe illness. The new COVID-19 vaccine expected in September is believed to be effective, but its protection against BA.2.86 is uncertain. Rapid tests and treatments are expected to still work, but false negatives are possible.