![]() ![]() The COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing hospital and ICU admissions, even against the Delta variant. The Delta variant is much more contagious than the Alpha variant. In summer 2021, the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) replaced the Alpha variant as the dominant strain in the Netherlands. The B.1.617.2 variant of the coronavirus was first found in October 2020 in India. The P.1 Gamma variant is currently no longer detected in pathogen surveillance. The immune response due to vaccination or due to previous infection with the virus may possibly be less effective against this variant. These three changes are almost identical to the changes in the Beta variant. Among other mutations, the variant has three changes in the spike protein, the lines bristling out from the coronavirus, that are considered cause for concern. It is not yet clear whether the course of illness is different for this variant. The P.1 Gamma variant of the coronavirus was found mainly in outbreaks in and around Manaus, the capital of the Brazilian state of Amazonas. The Beta variant is no longer detected in pathogen surveillance. This variant of the virus, like the Alpha variant, also appears to be more contagious than the variant that had been dominant in the Netherlands until that point. The Beta variant of the coronavirus, first found in South Africa, was detected in the Netherlands in early January 2021. In summer 2021, the Alpha variant was ‘pushed out’ by the more contagious Delta variant. The Alpha variant then became the dominant strain in the Netherlands, supplanting the former variant of the virus. The Alpha variant of the coronavirus, first found in the UK, was also detected in the Netherlands in December 2020. At this time, there are no indications that these sub-variants would be more likely to cause severe illness compared to previous Omicron sub-variants. Since week 7 of 2023, XBB (including XBB.1.5, XBB.1.9 and XBB.1.16) has been responsible for the highest number of infections. Omicron BA.1, BA.2 and BA.5 were initially dominant in the Netherlands, followed by BQ.1 (including BQ.1.1). There are also recombinant strains that combine characteristics of other variants, such as XBB (including XBB.1.5, XBB.1.9 and XBB.1.16) and XBF. Sub-variants of BA.5 include BF.7 and BQ.1 (including BQ.1.1). From BA.4, we are seeing sub-variant BA.4.6. From BA.2, we are seeing sub-variant BA.2.75 (including CH.1.1). ![]() Multiple sub-variants of BA.2, BA.4 and BA.5 are currently circulating in the Netherlands. The same pattern is occurring in other countries as well. But mutations are also emerging within these sub-variants, developing from Omicron. Since early 2022, most of the variants of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in the Netherlands have been in the Omicron lineage: sub-variants BA.1 through BA.5. Current situation: Omicron XBB variants (including XBB.1.5, XBB.1.9 and XBB.1.16) are most prevalent in the Netherlands ![]() It also found no significant difference in the viral load present in the breakthrough infections occurring in fully vaccinated people and the other cases, suggesting the viral load of vaccinated and unvaccinated persons infected with the coronavirus is similar.4 August 2023: This week there will be no update of the data. Massachusetts has a high rate of vaccination: about 69% among eligible adults in the state at the time of the study. It found that three-quarters of cases occurred in fully vaccinated people. ![]() The study details a COVID-19 outbreak that started July 3 in Provincetown, Mass., involving 469 cases. When revising its mask guidance this week to urge even vaccinated people to wear masks indoors in much of the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was criticized for not citing data in making that move. A study of a new outbreak in Provincetown found that three-quarters of those infected with the virus were fully vaccinated. Pedestrians and cyclists head down Commercial Street in Provincetown, Mass., in May 2020. ![]()
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