Scotland has detected its first case of a new Covid variant that the World Health Organization is closely monitoring.
Despite having a large number of mutations, the BA.2.86 variant is not currently regarded as a variant of concern.
The variation was found by genomic sequencing in a PCR sample taken on August 16th.
The BA.2.86 strain has previously been identified in a number of countries , including the US, Canada, and Israel.
Worldwide testing for the virus has been scaled back, and scientists say they do not yet know with certainty how quickly it is spreading.
Since the start of July, there have been more Covid cases in Scotland.
Public Health Scotland, the NHS body which is in charge of controlling and monitoring the coronavirus, recorded 1,342 cases in the week ending August 27.
This is likely to be a significant underestimate because there is so little testing in the wider community.
The winter vaccination program begins in Scotland on September 4 and experts say the best way to assure protection over the winter is to come forward for a shot if eligible.
The new variant was also discovered in wastewater testing in another NHS Health Board region although Public Health Scotland notes that wastewater testing accuracy varies and that results should be interpreted with caution.
Source-BBC
