World Health Organisation identifies ‘stealth Omicron’ Covid strain, centaurus

Dubbed the ‘centaurus’ strain, scientists have expressed concern over a new and highly mutated Covid sub-variant that has been detected in 10 countries.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is monitoring a new Covid sub-variant, which some experts fear could be more evasive and transmissible than its former Omicron variants.

Officially named BA.2.75, and nicknamed ‘Centaurus’, the sub-variant has been reported in 10 countries so far, including Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Germany, the US and UK. The bulk of cases, however, have been found in India. As of yet, WHO has not named it as a variant of concern.

While the analysis of the centaurus sub-variant is still limited, initial research indicates it does contain a number of spike mutations which could make it more effective at “immune escape”.

“Eight mutations beyond BA.5, many in the N-terminal domain, which could make immune escape worse than what we’re seeing now,” tweeted US physician Dr Eric Topol.

A new variant has been identified as BA.2.75 and nicknamed ‘centaurus’. Picture: Getty Images.

Dr Topol also quoted molecular biologist Ulrich Elling who said the US might “have to prepare” for the centaurus wave, adding that he didn’t “like the observed mutations”.

The number of mutations could also be cause for concern, with the potential for the sub-variant to be more resistant to previous infection.

“The number of eight additional mutations in BA.2.75 is remarkable. Delta had eight in spike in total,” tweeted Dr Elling.

“Three mutations can make a huge difference (BA.5). Thus the 11 mutations distinct between BA.5 and BA.2.75 could allow for yet another wave as BA.5 immunity might not protect.”

Experts noted that the new strain’s eight mutations could be cause for concern. Picture: Twitter @EllingUlrich.

Despite this, WHO chief scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan has urged that more research is needed before the virus’ transmissibility and severity is fully understood.

“It’s still too early to know if the sub-variant has properties of additional immune invasion or indeed of being more clinically severe,” she said.

“We don’t know that, so we have to wait and see.”

Speaking to the New Daily, Deakin University’s chair of epidemiology Professor Catherine Bennett said that while this new sub-variant would likely lead to more cases, she said a more important factor is if it leads to more deaths.

“So we’re not seeing skyrocketing numbers. But it is a concern if it translates to an increase in deaths,” she said.

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— Australian Department of Health and Aged Care (@healthgovau) July 7, 2022

This comes as WHO’s director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported Covid cases jumping by nearly 30 per cent globally in the past two weeks.

On Tuesday, NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant also warned of a “third Covid-19 Omicron wave,” and predicted the onslaught of a “significant rise in cases” expected to peak in July or early August.

“I’m concerned about this picture and I am calling on the community to do a few things to protect yourself and each other,” she said.

“Isolate if you’re sick and get tested, wear a mask when indoors and around other people and know if antivirals are recommended from you.”

Dr Kerry Chant believed NSW could reach another peak in Covid cases in July or early August. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard

In Australia, states and territories are recording roughly 33,000 new daily infections, with the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) updating its recommendations to allow fourth Covid vaccine doses to people aged 30 and over.

As it stands, the extra jab remains unavailable for healthy adults aged under 30, “as it was not clear whether the benefits outweighed the risks in this population group”.