Omicron sub-variants may become even ‘fitter’, warns expert

Immunologist Professor Stuart Turville says Australia needs to watch BA.4 and BA.5 sub-lineages of the original Omicron variant
Associate Professor Stuart Turville.

An immunologist has warned new sub-lineages of the Omicron variant detected in Australia might be evolving to be even “fitter” by either evading antibodies or through improved transmissibility.

The sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5 — both of which have been named by the WHO as “variants of concern” — have been detected in NSW, SA and Victoria in the past two weeks.