A new coronavirus subvariant, a dominant strain of omicron called BA.5, has been reported in Montgomery County, according to Acting County Health Officer and Chief Dr. James Bridgers.
“It is in Montgomery County and is in the state of Maryland. It is in the region,” said Bridgers.
BA.5 is one of five Omicron subvariants and has been acknowledged as a concerning strain due to its “transmission advantage over prior variants,” according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading expert on infectious diseases.
This means that there is an increased likelihood of reinfection for those who have already contracted the virus previously, and even for individuals that have been vaccinated and boosted against the disease.
“The challenge with any of the Omicron variants are its ability to evade the main system and cause reinfections for those individuals who are vaccinated, [whether] they had the primary series, or individuals who may have been boosted, if they’re eligible, [with] either the first booster or the second booster,” said Bridgers. “It is the variant that scientists have predicted would be the greatest challenge, but it is manageable.”
In an interview with CNN, Fauci explained that those who have recently been infected, or have not received a vaccine/booster dose this year will only have protection for so long, stating that virus immunity “wanes and diminishes pretty rapidly over a period of several months.”
According to Bridgers, symptoms of BA.5 vary and could potentially be similar to that of variants in the past.
“You have more fatigue. You may have headaches. You still [can get a] fever, which is an indicator that your body’s fighting some viral response,” said Bridgers. “Similarly as with the other variants you can still have upset stomach, gastrointestinal challenges. You may have brain fog.”
Bridgers explained that for individuals who have been infected more recently, the most common symptoms have been fatigue, headaches and body aches. Residents that are eligible may take antiviral medicine within three to five days from the onset of symptoms, according to Bridgers.
He also noted that the Omicron variant is “highly transmissible” and can cause serious illness for immunocompromised individuals, such as those with diabetes, cardiovascular disease or respiratory illnesses. It also poses a serious threat to those who are unvaccinated.
Currently, the BA.5 subvariant makes up 56.3% of all cases in what is known as “region three,” which consists of Delaware, D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, according to Bridgers.
Bridgers also told myMCM that BA.5 is not the only “variant of concern” within the community, noting that other variants such as BA.4, BA.2.12.1, BA.2 and B.1.1.529 have already entered the region. However, BA.5 is the “predominant strain.”
The county government does not plan to implement any mandates in response to BA.5, rather Bridgers stated that the responsibility is on residents to take the appropriate measures in order to stay protected. According to Bridgers, this means remaining vigilant, taking advantage of each protective measure available and wearing masks in indoor settings when able to.
“We’re relying on the public, based on the great response to the primary series of vaccinations, to get vaccinated if they are unvaccinated,” said Bridgers. “Over 95% of the total population has received at least one dose, 89% have received at least two doses; however, where we lag is that first booster or an additional dose.”
“We need our countians to get boosted to combat any variant of Omicron, or any future or subsequent variants that may be produced by Omicron.”
For more information regarding COVID-19 testing in Montgomery County, the official testing website can be found here.
