There are currently 99 descendant
around the world —of which 23 have been detected in Peru.
The INS indicated that, among these descendants, the
BA.2 lineage stands out, which has become the majority worldwide, adding that it constitutes 90% of cases during epidemiological week 17 in Peru.
Likewise, it mentioned the presence of BA.4 and BA.5 lineages, which are prompting a rapid increase in cases in South Africa, but have not yet been detected in Peru.
BA.2.12.1 is a descendant lineage of BA.2 that has shown a rapid increase in the United States, namely in New York, accounting for more than 40% of COVID-19 cases during the first week of May in the North American country.
This lineage is characterized for showing particular mutations in the spike protein. According to calculations, it might have prompted a growth in cases 42% higher if compared to the BA.2.
Said BA.2.12.1 lineage has already been detected in Peru by the INS, in samples obtained over the last three weeks of April 2022.
These are six people between the ages of 22 and 64 (half of them women) from Lima Center (3 cases), Eastern Lima (2 cases), and Huacho in Lima Region (1 case).
The INS detailed that said citizens have not been hospitalized or reported as deceased. Besides, a timely follow-up has been carried out, evaluating the evolution of each patient.
Faced with the appearance of new variants and lineages of SARS-CoV-2, the INS continues to carry out genomic surveillance to inform citizens about public health-related decisions.
Furthermore, it recommended completing the vaccination against COVID-19 according to the age group; wearing KN95 facemask or, failing that, a three-fold surgical mask and a community mask (fabric) on top to circulate on public roads and in closed places.
The INS also called on citizens to comply with physical distancing (not less than one meter) while performing social and commercial activities.
Another characteristic of this variant is the evasion of the immune response generated by previous infections or vaccination, although without increasing the severity of the disease.