Why scientists are closely tracking new COVID-19 variants
In short: As SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate globally, new mutations are constantly emerging. While most changes have little impact, researchers are working urgently to understand how specific new variants might affect vaccine performance or the severity of the disease.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is constantly evolving. While most mutations result in little to no change in how the virus behaves, certain shifts can alter how easily the virus spreads or how well our current medical countermeasures, such as vaccines and diagnostic tools, perform. To manage this, the World Health Organization (WHO) established a specialized group in June 2020 to study these evolutionary changes and their impact on public health.
To prioritize global monitoring, the WHO uses specific classifications for emerging strains. These include Variants of Interest (VOIs) and Variants of Concern (VOCs), which help direct research and response efforts. In March 2023, the WHO updated these working definitions to refine how the world tracks and responds to the virus. More recently, in 2024, the WHO launched the CoViNet network to improve the early and accurate detection of coronaviruses and coordinate risk evaluations.
Currently, health agencies are monitoring several lineages. In the UK, the most common variants include XFG and NB.1.8.1. Another variant, BA.3.2—sometimes called the 'Cicada' variant—re-emerged in South Africa in late 2024 and has been detected across multiple continents, including England. The WHO has designated BA.3.2 as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM). Although researchers are observing them intently, existing evidence suggests these strains do not cause worse disease than other existing versions.
Effective surveillance requires a global effort. Beyond tracking human cases, it is essential to monitor the virus in animal populations and in individuals with chronic infections. These areas are vital for reducing the occurrence of new mutations that could negatively impact public health.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: We Know More About Those COVID-19 Variants. It's Not Great | SciShow News
- Also: Tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants
- Also: Should we be worried about the current COVID-19 variants? – UK Health Security Agency
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