Post by Nadica (She/Her) on Jul 19, 2024 0:53:51 GMT
An updated framework for SARS-CoV-2 variants reflects the unpredictability of viral evolution - Published May 8, 2024
The World Health Organization framework for tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants has been updated to reflect the continued evolution of the virus; this framework could be adapted for other emerging respiratory diseases with epidemic and pandemic potential.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 variants have been designated as variants of concern (VOCs) and variants of interest (VOIs) on the basis of their potential to replace previously circulating variants and cause new waves of increased transmission globally; such variants may require adjustments in public health responses. During the first two years of the pandemic, four VOCs and eight VOIs were designated by the World Health Organization (WHO), and these were overall closely related to the index virus.
The World Health Organization framework for tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants has been updated to reflect the continued evolution of the virus; this framework could be adapted for other emerging respiratory diseases with epidemic and pandemic potential.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 variants have been designated as variants of concern (VOCs) and variants of interest (VOIs) on the basis of their potential to replace previously circulating variants and cause new waves of increased transmission globally; such variants may require adjustments in public health responses. During the first two years of the pandemic, four VOCs and eight VOIs were designated by the World Health Organization (WHO), and these were overall closely related to the index virus.