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
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.
NSW Health has confirmed a BA.4 infection in a traveller who returned from South Africa, while another case, believed to be one of these sub-lineages, has been detected in Melbourne wastewater.
In SA, one case of BA.4 and one of BA.5 have been identified, both in returned overseas travellers.
