A recent study by South African scientists discovered nine sequences of a new variant, BA.2.87.1, in samples collected from September to December 2023. These sequences were only found in South Africa, indicating that the variant may not spread easily. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the situation due to the variant’s 30 changes in the spike protein, compared to the variant targeted by the current vaccine. The CDC is concerned that these changes could potentially increase the risk of the virus evading immunity from previous infection or vaccination.
The CDC has not observed a significant increase in South Africa’s COVID-19 cases due to the BA.2.87.1 variant. The effectiveness of the current vaccine against this variant is still uncertain. However, the CDC suggests that the current vaccine may still provide protection against a range of variants, based on experiences with the JN.1 variant. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is also monitoring BA.2.87.1.