The World Heath Organisation is collecting data on the virus type, which is known to have reached Europe
The World Heath Organisation (WHO) has highlighted a new variant of Covid as ‘of interest’ which shows worrying resistance to antibodies. The organisation listed the BA.3.2 type of Covid as one it is aiming to ‘closely monitor’ in an announcement today and it’s already been detected in Europe.
The WHO described it as a ‘potentially emerging’ variant which could become widespread. Currently the WHO is gathering data for vaccine manufacturers to use to battle the latest variations this winter, when cases are expected to rise.
The UK Health Security Agency has said that the two most common current variants are the XFG and NB.1.8.1 – sometimes referred to as the Stratus and Nimbus variants. If the BA.3.2 variation which has not got a name yet comes to the UK it known to ‘evade’ antibodies and therefore is more dangerous for spreading in populations which have been vaccinated.
A report in the medical Lancet journal earlier this year said: “Our findings suggest that BA.3.2 (A) and BA.3.2 (B) might enter cells slightly less efficiently than the parental BA.3 variant; however, BA.3.2 (A) and BA.3.2 (B) might be able to evade the neutralising antibodies used for COVID-19 therapy or those induced by vaccination with a markedly higher efficiency.
“The evasion of antibodies by the variants in individuals vaccinated with the JN.1-booster vaccine was similar to, or greater than, that observed for the currently dominating LP8.1.1 variant. These observations suggest that BA.3.2—particularly BA.3.2 (B)—may disseminate within populations with high antibody levels, thereby warranting close monitoring.”
It added that earlier this year a ‘highly mutated‘ descendant of the omicron subvariant BA.36 was detected in South Africa. It added: “In A pril, 2025, the variant, designated as BA.3.2, was also detected in the Netherlands, raising the possibility of global dissemination. BA.3.2 harbours more than 50 S protein mutations compared with BA.3 (appendix pp 2, 13), which might have profoundly altered the cell entry and antibody-mediated neutralisation of BA.3.2. ”
The new strain, called Stratus, has two variants, XFG and XFG.3, with some experts suggesting that the variant is known for its unique symptom of giving people a hoarse voice.
Despite accounting for a large proportion of new cases, experts are not concerned about the spread, noting it is normal for viruses to mutate and change.
The UKHSA said about the current variants in the country: “The most common current variants are the XFG and NB.1.8.1 (sometimes referred to in the media as the Stratus and Nimbus variants). Our genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 lineages last month found that 35% were classified as XFG.3, 28% were classified as XFG, 11% were classified as NB.1.8.1, 7% were classified as XFG.5 and 7% were classified as XFG.3.4.1.
“Current data does not indicate that these variants lead to more severe illness than other variants in circulation.
“It’s normal for viruses to mutate and change, and as more data becomes available on these variants we’ll have a better understanding of how they interact with our immune systems and how to optimise our protection, as well as actions we can take to keep the most vulnerable safe and live our lives as normally as possible. The most important thing is for those eligible to get their vaccination when it is due.“
The UKHSA has released advice this week explaining what people should do if they believe they have Covid.
It said: “If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you should avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible.
“For those of us who absolutely can’t stay at home, the Living with COVID guidance remains unchanged, and will reduce the chance of passing on your infection to others:
- Wear a well-fitting face covering made with multiple layers or a surgical face mask
- Avoid crowded places such as public transport, large social gatherings, or anywhere that is enclosed or poorly ventilated
- Take any exercise outdoors in places where you will not have close contact with other people
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose and before you eat or handle food; avoid touching your face “