New Omicron sub-variant labeled “super-contagious”

Alanna Flood • July 17, 2022

Scientists and health officials are tracking what’s being dubbed a “super-contagious” omicron sub-variant: BA.2.75.

The “super-contagious” BA.2.75 has been detected in 10 countries, with two cases recently identified on the west coast of the United States.

Although this new sub-variant has been detected, the dominant variants BA.4 and BA.5 are still widely circulating and are accounting for most of the COVID-19 cases. These variants and sub-variants have often been able to circumvent vaccines.

Dr. Armando Paez, Chief of the Division of Infectious Disease at Baystate Health told 22News, “You know with the BA.5, re-infections really do happen, despite the fact either you have been vaccinated or boosted, or even received the mono-prophylaxis if you are immuno-compromised, but reinfections do occur.”

Dr. Paez says health officials are working on an updated vaccine, better suited to tackle these sub-variants.

He adds the best way to protect yourself is to stay up-to-date on your shots and boosters, and mask up in crowded settings, even if you are outside.

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Polio detected in New York City sewage suggesting local circulation of virus, health officials say

By Spencer Kimball • August 13, 2022

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett called the detection of polio in New York City alarming. Bassett said local and federal health officials are aggressively assessing how far polio has spread in the city and in New York state. Polio can result in permanent paralysis of the arms and legs and death in some cases. Health officials are calling on people who are not vaccinated to get their shots immediately.

U.S. monkeypox cases surpass 10,000 as CDC still aims for "containment"

By ALEXANDER TIN • August 13, 2022

More than 10,000 Americans have now tested positive in the monkeypox outbreak across the U.S., according to figures published late Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as federal health officials say they are still racing to contain the virus.