What is the New COVID Called?

The recent emergence of a new COVID-19 variant has sparked considerable public interest and, understandably, concern. As public health agencies globally monitor its spread and characteristics, understanding its official designation is crucial for clear communication and informed public health responses. This article delves into the naming conventions for SARS-CoV-2 variants and identifies the current prominent variant that has captured attention.

Understanding Viral Nomenclature: A Systematic Approach

The naming of new viral variants is not an arbitrary process. It adheres to a structured system designed to provide clarity and avoid the confusion that can arise from colloquial or geographically linked names. The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a pivotal role in this regard, working in conjunction with scientific bodies to assign designations that are both practical and scientifically sound.

The Evolution of Naming Conventions

Initially, many variants were informally referred to by the location where they were first identified, such as the “Wuhan strain” or the “South African variant.” While these names offered an initial point of reference, they quickly proved problematic. Such labels could inadvertently stigmatize entire regions and populations, and as variants spread globally, geographical links became less relevant and more confusing. This led to the development of a more standardized nomenclature.

The WHO’s Role and the Greek Alphabet System

In May 2021, the WHO announced a new system for naming significant SARS-CoV-2 variants, utilizing the letters of the Greek alphabet. The goal was to create a simple, memorable, and universally applicable system that would replace the often cumbersome and potentially stigmatizing scientific designations (e.g., B.1.1.529) and geographical references. The chosen letters were: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, Eta, Theta, Iota, Kappa, Lambda, Mu, and Omicron.

The WHO designated certain variants of concern (VOCs) and variants of interest (VOIs) with these Greek letters. A variant of concern is a SARS-CoV-2 variant that meets the criteria for a VOC, meaning it is associated with one or more of the following epidemiological characteristics:

• Increased transmissibility or R0.
• Increase in severity of disease (e.g., increased hospitalizations or deaths).
• Decrease in immune escape (e.g., reduced neutralization by antibodies generated through vaccination or prior infection).
• Decrease in the effectiveness of public health and social measures or diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.

A variant of interest (VOI) is a SARS-CoV-2 variant with genetic changes that are predicted or known to affect transmissibility, disease severity, immune escape, diagnostics, or therapeutics. It also typically shows evidence of widespread transmission in multiple jurisdictions or significant or increasing proportion over time.

Scientific Designations vs. Public-Facing Names

It is important to distinguish between the scientific lineage names (often a series of numbers and letters like P.1, B.1.1.7, or B.1.617.2) and the WHO’s public-facing Greek letter designations. Scientific names are crucial for tracking the genetic evolution of the virus and for detailed epidemiological studies. They allow researchers to precisely identify specific genetic mutations and their origins. However, these scientific designations are often difficult for the general public to remember or pronounce, hence the need for a simpler system. The Greek alphabet system serves as a bridge, providing a recognizable label for significant variants as they are discussed in public health advisories, media reports, and general discourse.

The Current Prominent Variant: Omicron and its Descendants

As of recent public health monitoring, the variant that has garnered the most significant attention and has been the subject of widespread discussion is Omicron. However, Omicron itself is not a single entity but a lineage that has since evolved and diversified into numerous sub-lineages.

The Advent of Omicron

Omicron (B.1.1.529) was first reported to the WHO from South Africa in November 2021. It quickly distinguished itself due to a remarkably high number of mutations, particularly in the spike protein, which is the primary target of the immune system and the key used by the virus to enter human cells. These mutations led to concerns about increased transmissibility and potential immune evasion.

Omicron rapidly replaced the Delta variant as the dominant strain globally. Its high transmissibility meant that even individuals who were vaccinated or had previously been infected could still contract the virus, although vaccination and prior infection generally continued to offer significant protection against severe disease.

The Proliferation of Omicron Sub-lineages

The Omicron variant’s genetic landscape proved to be highly dynamic. Since its initial emergence, Omicron has undergone further mutations, leading to the development of numerous sub-lineages. These sub-lineages are often designated by more complex scientific names, reflecting specific genetic markers, but they are still considered descendants of the original Omicron variant.

Some of the notable Omicron sub-lineages that have achieved significant global prevalence include:

• BA.1 and BA.2: These were among the first major sub-lineages to emerge after the initial Omicron detection. BA.2, in particular, showed evidence of increased transmissibility compared to BA.1 and became dominant in many regions.

• BA.4 and BA.5: These sub-lineages, first identified in South Africa in early 2022, also demonstrated increased transmissibility and a greater ability to evade immunity from prior infections and vaccinations compared to earlier Omicron strains. BA.5, in particular, became the dominant variant in many parts of the world during the summer of 2022, contributing to waves of infection.

• BQ.1 and BQ.1.1: These strains, which are descendants of BA.5, emerged later in 2022 and showed further immune-evasive properties. They became prominent in many countries, contributing to new surges in cases.

• XBB and its sub-variants (e.g., XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16): These represent a further evolution of Omicron, often resulting from recombination events between different Omicron sub-lineages. XBB.1.5, for instance, gained significant attention for its high transmissibility and its ability to evade existing immunity. XBB.1.16, also known as “Arcturus,” has been noted for its rapid spread in some regions and the potential for a specific eye-related symptom in some individuals.

• EG.5 (“Eris”): This sub-lineage, which emerged in 2023, is a descendant of XBB.1.9.2 and has become a dominant strain in several countries. It shares many characteristics with its predecessors but demonstrates continued evolutionary adaptation.

• JN.1: This variant, first detected in late 2023, is a descendant of the BA.2.86 lineage (itself an Omicron descendant with a large number of mutations compared to earlier XBB variants). JN.1 has rapidly become a dominant variant globally, demonstrating significant transmissibility and further immune evasion.

The nomenclature for these sub-lineages can become quite complex, involving specific alphanumeric designations that track their precise genetic makeup. However, it is important to remember that they are all part of the broader Omicron family, stemming from the original Omicron variant identified in late 2021. Public health agencies continue to monitor these sub-lineages closely, assessing their transmissibility, severity, and impact on vaccine effectiveness.

Why is Continuous Monitoring Essential?

The ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2, with the emergence of new variants and sub-lineages, underscores the critical importance of continuous genomic surveillance and public health monitoring. This vigilance allows scientists and public health officials to:

• Detect New Variants Early: By sequencing a significant proportion of positive cases, researchers can identify novel mutations and emerging lineages as soon as they appear. This early detection is crucial for understanding their potential impact.

• Assess Variant Characteristics: Once a new variant or sub-lineage is identified, detailed laboratory studies and epidemiological analyses are conducted to determine its transmissibility, virulence (severity of disease), and ability to evade immunity from vaccines and prior infections.

• Inform Public Health Strategies: The data gathered from surveillance informs critical public health decisions, including recommendations for vaccination (e.g., updated vaccine formulations), mask-wearing, testing strategies, and treatment protocols.

• Adapt Countermeasures: Understanding how variants might affect the efficacy of existing vaccines and therapeutics allows for the development of updated vaccines and the exploration of new treatment options.

• Maintain Public Awareness: Clear and accurate communication about new variants, their names, and their potential risks helps the public make informed decisions about their health and safety.

The naming of new COVID-19 variants, while seemingly a minor detail, is a vital component of this comprehensive public health effort. It provides a standardized and accessible way to discuss the evolving virus, facilitating effective communication and coordinated responses in the ongoing effort to manage the pandemic. The current landscape is dominated by the Omicron family, with various sub-lineages continually emerging and asserting their prevalence, necessitating ongoing vigilance and scientific inquiry.