New ‘very contagious’ BA.2 COVID variant is spreading in Fresno and Madera counties

The COVID-19 variant BA.2 has arrived in the central San Joaquin Valley, and officials in Fresno and Madera reported Friday that they were monitoring the latest manifestation of the pandemic virus.

BA.2 is considered by the World Health Organization to be closely related to the Omicron variant of the virus, which is classified as BA.1.

During his regular Friday report on COVID-19, Fresno County Interim Health Officer Rais Vohra said that so far, 28 cases of BA.2 have been identified in the county. While he said officials were not anticipating a significant rise, Vohra also said the variant could be “very contagious.”

Also Friday, Madera County Public Health officials reported four cases of the variant. The first was discovered Wednesday, followed by three others Thursday. Three individuals who contracted the virus were unvaccinated. The discovery prompted Madera County Public Health Officer Dr. Simon Paul to urge residents to get a vaccination or seek a booster for previous vaccinations if needed.

In Fresno, Vohra expressed certainty there were additional cases in the county population.

“I can guarantee you there are a lot more than 28,” he said.

During the news conference, Vohra also noted that 3% of the general population is immunocompromised and said there are now four health care providers in the county who can assist them with monoclonal antibodies if they contract the coronavirus.