Introduction

As we approach the last quarter of the year, people are high in spirits because the last four months are peppered with festivities around the world. However, right before the upcoming merriment commences and just when people are beginning to really move on with their lives past the shadow cast by the COVID years, there is rising concern once again with the surge in cases of the new COVID variant being referred to as Pirola.

What is this Pirola variant and will it be a dampener on the spirit of people and the end-of-year festivities? Read on to find out more.

What is Pirola?

Pirola is the nickname of a new BA.2.86 variant, which was recently designated. It has been found that Pirola is a highly mutating variant of Omicron, with more than 30 mutations and it has triggered a surge in cases worldwide, especially in parts of Europe and the United States. As per Scott Roberts, who is a Yale Medicine infectious disease specialist, the high number of mutations of Pirola is considered as ‘notable’.

Is Pirola Different from/More Dangerous than the Other Variants of COVID? 

Pirola is a type of BA.2.86 variant, which is a designated variant of Omicron. However, the BA.2.86 variant has additional mutations when compared with previously detected Omicron subtypes, according to a specialist from Yale.

Scientists are of the opinion that the BA.2.86 variant is not likely to cause widespread waves of death and disease. This can be directly linked to the strong immunity that people now have after the worldwide vaccination drive.

The World Health Organization is closely monitoring the surge in cases and keeping an eye on the behaviour of the COVID-19 2.86 variant. As per reports, those who have been earlier affected by COVID-19 have a greater chance of infection.

What are the Symptoms of Pirola? 

Up until now, the symptoms of the Pirola virus remain quite similar to many of the COVID-19 variants. Experts say that it is still too early to comment. Some of the noted pirola symptoms are:

• Cough
• Cold
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Abdominal discomfort 
• Headache and body ache 

How Prevalent is Pirola Right Now and Has it Arrived in India Yet? 

An article that was published on August 31^st in the Yale Medicine Review noted there was a rapid rise of COVID-19 infections in many countries due to Pirola. As of August 30^th, 24 cases have been reported around the world. The countries that have been affected are the United Kingdom, Denmark, Canada, Israel, and the United States.

Although India has reported 18 cases of COVID-19 infection as of 3^rd September 2023, it has not yet reported any case of Pirola. There are a number of flu-like cases reported in different parts of the country. With reduced interest in COVID testing and genome sequencing, it is difficult to establish the actual numbers of people infected with different Covid variants. 

Safety Measures

The precautionary measures suggested to avert an infection from the Pirola variant are similar to government mandates. These are:

• Stay at home if unwell
• Wear masks when stepping out
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Increase ventilation at home
• Take COVID-19 booster vaccination timely
• Utilise the correct testing tools
• Keep monitoring your health for Pirola variant symptoms and keep in touch with the healthcare provider.

Also Read: Why Is My Upper Stomach Bigger Than My Lower? Understanding Body Composition

Conclusion 

As COVID-19 continues to remain amongst us in its new variants and mutated forms, we can safely say that we cannot let our guards down at any point in time. By taking care of our health and of those around us, we can ensure that there is no spread of infections due to the Pirola COVID variant. There is no need to panic, but we must be aware and cautious. 

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.