Notably, the Pirola variant seems to be much milder than the original Covid-19 strain which soon turned into the ‘deadly Delta variant’ taking millions of lives during the first and second wave of the pandemic. 

According to a report by the Hindustan Times quoting virologist Dr. Pavithra Venkatagopalan, Pirola variant appears to have undergone as many changes as the Omicron variant did from the Delta variant of the coronavirus.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Principal Secretary PK Mishra chaired a high-level meeting to review the global and national Covid-19 situation, newer variants in circulation and their public health impact on Monday, a press release from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare read.

This was in view of recent reports of the detection of certain newer variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus reported globally.

Is Pirola variant very dangerous?

The health expert in an interview with HT has informed that very few samples of the Pirola variant is available, therefore it is difficult to gauge the severity of the new strain. 

Only nine samples of the BA.2.86 variant have been received, although this does not necessarily reflect the total number of cases, reported Reuters.

The CDC has also noted that the Pirola variant could potentially affect people who have survived and earlier variant of coronavirus or have received Covid-19 vaccines. This indicates a higher potential for breakthrough infections compared to previous strains of the virus.

According to the HT report, Pirola variant is interesting because it has a lot of 35 new mutations that sets it apart from previously known prevalent Covid variants.

Where Pirola variant of Covid-19 cases have been reported?

According to CNBC report, Pirola variant coronavirus cases have been detected in Denmark, South Africa, the US, UK, and Israel.

The BA.2.86 variant was first identified on 24 July 2023, and has been designated a variant of interest by the World Health Organisation (WHO) due to its 35 mutations, which significantly exceed those observed in previous variants.

How does Pirola variant of Covid-19 spread?

Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Grover, Head of Critical care, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram had told Times of India that both BA.2.86 and Eris transmits through droplets.

Pirola, Eris variant Symptoms

According to a health expert the symptoms of the Pirola variant infected patients include 

-Rashes

-Conjunctivitis

-Diarrhea

The report published in Times of India also noted that symptoms of the Eris variant of coronavirus include

-Fever

-Cough

-Shortness of breath

-Fatigue

-Muscle aches

-Headache

-Loss of taste and smell

-Sore throat

Is Pirola variant of Covid-19 dangerous?

According to various media reports, substantial mutations in the spike protein of BA.2.86 raise concerns about potential immune evasion, indicating that the existing vaccines and prior Covid-19 infection may offer less protection against this variant compared to earlier strains of the virus.

Updated: 30 Aug 2023, 07:18 PM IST