2 Cases Of New Omicron Subvariant Detected In Santa Clara County

Eric He
Updated ·1 min read

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — Two cases of BA.2 — a subvariant of the fast-spreading omicron coronavirus variant — were detected in Santa Clara County, officials confirmed to Patch on Tuesday afternoon.

While the omicron variant quickly became the dominant variant of COVID-19 worldwide, not much is known about the BA.2 subvariant. It was designated a "variant under investigation" by the United Kingdom, a step below a "variant of concern."

In an update Monday, the World Health Organization said BA.2 differs from the omicron variant in “some of the mutations, including in the spike protein.” BA.2 cases are increasing worldwide, and investigations into BA.2’s characteristics “should be prioritized independently," according to the WHO.

As of Tuesday, the California Department of Public Health confirmed 11 BA.2 cases in the state.

The Santa Clara County Department of Public Health said Tuesday that it is expected to issue a statement on the two cases.

This article originally appeared on the Gilroy Patch