The global impact of SARS-CoV-2 variant BA.2.86: a comprehensive analysis with the latest developments and transmission trends - an epidemiological study.

OBJECTIVE: The variant BA.2.86 of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is causing concern globally. The virus contains a large number of mutations, and transmission trends are rapidly changing globally. This study investigates the global epidemiological and transmission trends of SARS-CoV-2 new variant BA.2.86 in various continents and countries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data were recorded using key terms, including SARS-CoV-2, Omicron, BA.2.86, epidemiology, occurrence, incidence, prevalence, and transmission trends. The data on SARS-CoV-2 variant BA.2.86 were searched by the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GSIAD), PubMed, and Web of Science. Initially, 40 documents were identified, and finally, 8 documents were included for the data analysis and discussion. The analysis of findings on transmission trends was based on the data from August 14, 2023, to February 28, 2024.

RESULTS: The SARS-CoV-2, novel variant BA.2.86, crossed the international borders of 6 continents and 89 countries and infected 19,532 people. In Europe, 32 countries are affected and involved 12,667 people (64.85%), North and South America 18 countries with 3,515 cases (17.99%), Asia 27 countries with 2,063 people (10.56%), Oceania 2 countries with 689 cases (3.52%), and Africa 10 countries with 598 (3.06%) cases. The BA.2.86 rapidly spread and mainly affected the people in the United Kingdom 3,228 (16.52%), Sweden 2,380 (12.18%), USA 1,929 (9.87%), Denmark 1,621 (8.29%), Canada 1,516 (7.67%), France 833 (4.26%), Japan 810 (4.14%), Netherlands 725 (3.71%), Germany 681 (3.48%), Spain 665 (3.40%), South Korea 556 (2.84%), and Australia 512 (2.62%).

CONCLUSIONS: The SARS-CoV-2, novel variant BA.2.86, spread over six continents and 89 countries and affected 19,532 people worldwide. The disease is more prevalent in the United Kingdom, United States of America, and European countries. The detection of the disease in multiple continents and countries suggests some degree of transmissibility. Global health authorities need to rethink their policies and implement strict strategies to eradicate emerging variants and minimize the global disease burden.