A new version of omicron is now dominant in the United States, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The coronavirus subvariant known as BA.5 accounts for nearly 54 percent of all cases in the nation. Health authorities warned that BA.5 is the most transmissible subvariant.
As of July 2, B.A. 4 accounted for an estimated 16.5 percent of new cases.
Both B.A.4 and B.A. 5 are considered ultra-contagious with the ability to elude some antibodies produced after vaccinations and infections, including those caused by some Omicron subvariants. Reported symptoms of BA.5 are similar to previous COVID variants: fever, runny nose, coughing, sore throat, headaches, muscle pain, and fatigue.
In late June, a committee of experts recommended the FDA update booster shots to target BA.5 and BA.4 subvariants of Omicron, with a plan to make such boosters available later in the year.
According to the CDC, currently available vaccines have helped reduce the most serious outcomes, including hospitalizations and death caused by COVID-19, but results from post-authorization observational studies have shown that the effectiveness of primary vaccination wanes over time against certain variants, including omicron.
CDC officials advised manufacturers to update their COVID-19 vaccines to add an omicron BA.4/5 spike protein component to the current vaccine composition to create a two-component (bivalent) booster vaccine. The modified vaccines can potentially be used starting in early to mid-fall 2022.
Health officials in San Diego County urge residents to be vigilant in staying protected against COVID-19 as cases and hospitalizations continue to rise.
“Due to the increased level of community transmission, including re-infections, we strongly recommend masking, especially in crowded spaces or around family, friends, and colleagues who may be more vulnerable to COVID-19,'' said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, county deputy public health officer. “Our best bet in preventing hospitalizations and deaths is to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters and isolate from others when sick.
San Diego county reported 1,767 new infections and eight deaths related to the virus on Thursday, increasing the cumulative totals to 844,017 cases and 5,357 deaths.
Health officials said that a majority of the deaths occurred in people with at least one underlying health condition, mainly hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.
