New ‘stealth’ Omicron variant detected

Omicron BA.2. is harder to detect with a PCR test than the original Omicron. NIAID

Experts are studying a new “stealth” Omicron variant, referred to as BA.2.,a descendant of the Omicron mutation.

The stealth Omicron appears to have similar traits as the original, such as its apparent ability to evade preexisting immunity, whether from previous virus affliction or from inoculation. But it is hard to detect with a PCR test, which could detect the original Omicron.

At least three cases have been reported in the U.S., found in patients at Houston Methodist Hospital in Texas, according to The Washington Post .

BA.2 was first reported in the Philippines and cases have been detected in 40 countries including Denmark where it is the dominant form of the variant

For now, there is not enough evidence that it causes more severe illness or is more contagious than the original omicron variant.