--- title: A new variant of Omicron detected – BA.2 description: ABC News recently reported on New York area doctors disseminating information on the new 'stealth' COVID variant of Omicron, BA.2. image: https://blog.acutis.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2b6d08_091a9f0b676146bd9aa07670035c81ee~mv2-2.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.acutis.com/post/a-new-variant-of-omicron-detected-ba-2#main-content) Close - About - [What is Acutis?](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/what-is-acutis) - [Our Team](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/we-are-acutis) - [Guiding Principles](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/guiding-principles) - [Compliance](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/en/compliance) - [Accreditations](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/accreditations) - [Careers](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/careers) - [Continuing Education](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/webinars-symposium) - Providers - [Infectious Diseases](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/molecular-tests-infectious-disease) - [Respiratory Pathogen Testing](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/rit-testing-respiratory-pathogen-tests) - [Gastrointestinal Pathogen Testing](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/git-testing-gastrointestinal-pathogens-testing) - [Urinary Tract Infection Testing](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/urinary-tract-infection-testing) - [Sexually Transmitted Infections](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/sti-testing) - [Pharyngeal Testing](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/pit-testing-strep-a) - [Clinical Toxicology](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/clinical-toxicology) - [Medication Monitoring](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/medication-monitoring-tests) - [Substance Use & Addiction](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/substance-use-and-addiction) - Patients - [Make a Payment](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/make-a-payment-as-patient) - [Financial Assistance](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/patient-financial-assistance) - [FAQs](https://info.acutis.com/patient-faqs) - [Insights](https://blog.acutis.com) - [Contact](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/contact) CONTACT PHONE HOTLINE: [844-522-8847](tel:+1844-522-8847)E-MAIL: [service@acutis.com](mailto:service@acutis.com) [i-Acutis](https://acutis.careevolve.com/doctors/framepage.asp) [![logo](https://blog.acutis.com/hubfs/logo-Acutis%20HD-2.webp "logo")](https://www.acutis.com/) - About - [What is Acutis?](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/what-is-acutis) - [Our Team](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/we-are-acutis) - [Guiding Principles](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/guiding-principles) - [Compliance](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/en/compliance) - [Accreditations](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/accreditations) - [Careers](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/careers) - [Continuing Education](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/webinars-symposium) - Providers - [Infectious Diseases](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/molecular-tests-infectious-disease) - [Respiratory Pathogen Testing](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/rit-testing-respiratory-pathogen-tests) - [Gastrointestinal Pathogen Testing](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/git-testing-gastrointestinal-pathogens-testing) - [Urinary Tract Infection Testing](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/urinary-tract-infection-testing) - [Sexually Transmitted Infections](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/sti-testing) - [Pharyngeal Testing](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/pit-testing-strep-a) - [Clinical Toxicology](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/clinical-toxicology) - [Medication Monitoring](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/medication-monitoring-tests) - [Substance Use & Addiction](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/substance-use-and-addiction) - Patients - [Make a Payment](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/make-a-payment-as-patient) - [Financial Assistance](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/patient-financial-assistance) - [FAQs](https://info.acutis.com/patient-faqs) - [Insights](https://blog.acutis.com) - [Contact](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/contact) PHONE HOTLINE: [844-522-8847](tel:+1844-522-8847)E-MAIL: [service@acutis.com](mailto:service@acutis.com) [i-Acutis](https://acutis.careevolve.com/doctors/framepage.asp) ![pcr testing, infectious disease testing lab ](https://blog.acutis.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2b6d08_091a9f0b676146bd9aa07670035c81ee~mv2-2.jpg?width=300&name=2b6d08_091a9f0b676146bd9aa07670035c81ee~mv2-2.jpg) [Acutis](https://blog.acutis.com/author/acutis)Feb 17, 2022 12:00:00 AM1 min read # A new variant of Omicron detected – BA.2 [Previous](https://blog.acutis.com/post/antimicrobial-resistance-a-major-threat-to-public-health) [Next](https://blog.acutis.com/post/fatalities-caused-by-antimicrobial-resistance-amr-surpass-deaths-related-to-hiv) ![](https://blog.acutis.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2b6d08_091a9f0b676146bd9aa07670035c81ee~mv2-3.jpg) ABC News recently reported on New York area doctors disseminating information on the new 'stealth' COVID variant of Omicron, BA.2. [Dr. Emil Lesho](https://www.usuhs.edu/profile/emil-lesho-do-facp-fidsa-fshea), the Infectious Disease Specialist at Rochester Regional Health, states the new variant is trickier to test for. Additionally, though there is no evidence right now showing BA.2 to be more harmful than the original Omicron, it's outpacing its parent virus in some places. Head of Infectious Diseases at Rochester General, [Dr. Edward Walsh](https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/people/20996819-edward-e-walsh), is quoted to agree with Dr. Lesho, in that timing is too early to give any clear answer to what BA.2 is capable of, adding the new variant could just as well blend in with the current dominant strain. "We can't take a false sense of security by believing Omicron will be the last variant of concern. That said though, we are in a lot better place to deal with these variants. As more and more people get vaccinated or as more people become immune, that will help a lot," states Dr. Lesho. Our team has worked extensively on ensuring our COVID-19 test can detect emerging variants – including BA.2 – and will continue to be vigilant regarding any new developing threats. [Click here](https://www.acutis.com/covid-pcr-test) to learn more about Acutis Reveal™ COVID-19 PCR testing. [**Read the full article here.**](https://13wham.com/news/coronavirus/local-doctors-breakdown-new-stealth-variant-of-omicron) ![avatar](https://blog.acutis.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Sales%20materials%202023/Brand/logo-acutis%20HD-2022-1.png?width=290&name=logo-acutis%20HD-2022-1.png) #### [Acutis](https://blog.acutis.com/author/acutis) Our team of scientific experts is here to help you understand the trends in infectious disease, clinical toxicology, and Biosciences that are happening in the world. [mailto:service@acutis.com](mailto:service@acutis.com) ## RELATED ARTICLES [![Acutis-white](https://info.acutis.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Acutis-white.png?width=100&name=Acutis-white.png)](https://www.acutis.com/) **Insights. Answers. Outcomes. ** **Diagnostic Excellence. **   400 Karin Lane | Hicksville, NY 11801 68 Culver Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852 - About - [What is Acutis?](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/what-is-acutis) - [Accreditations](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/accreditations) - [Payer Relations](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/payer-relations-information) - [Careers](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/careers) - [Insights](https://blog.acutis.com) - [Contact](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/contact) - [HIPAA Privacy](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/en/hippa-privacy) - [Privacy Practices](https://blog.acutis.com/hubfs/2022%20Notice%20of%20Privacy%20Practices.pdf?hsLang=en) - [Privacy Policy](https://info.acutis.com/privacy-policy) - [SMS Terms and Conditions](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/sms-terms-conditions) - Providers - [Make a Payment](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/physician-practice-payment) - [Test Menus](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/test-menus) - [Arrange Sample Pick-up](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/physician-practice-sample-pick-up) - [Order POC Cups](https://acutisdiagnostics.myshopify.com/products/bluerapids-concise-12-panel-cup) - [Order Supplies](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/physician-practice-order-supplies) - Infectious Diseases - Clinical Toxicology - [Annual Physicians Notice](https://www.acutis.com/hubfs/2022%20Annual%20Physician%20Notice.pdf) - [Provider FAQs](https://info.acutis.com/general-faqs) - Patients - [Patient Payment Link](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/make-a-payment-as-patient) - [Patient FAQs](https://info.acutis.com/patient-faqs) - [Patient Financial Assistance](https://acutis-21140295.hs-sites.com/patient-financial-assistance) - [Biopharma](https://biosciences.acutis.com) - [Oncology](https://biosciences.acutis.com/oncology) - [Infectious Disease](https://biosciences.acutis.com/infectious-disease) All rights reserved | THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information on this website is not intended to substitute for or be relied upon as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This website is for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.© 2026 Acutis Diagnostics ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "", "addressLocality" : "Hicksville", "addressRegion" : "NY", "postalCode" : "11801", "streetAddress" : "400 Karin Lane" }, "email" : "service@acutis.com", "knowsLanguage" : "en", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent40.net/hubfs/21140295/logo-Acutis%20HD-2.webp" }, "name" : "Acutis Diagnostics Inc.", "telephone" : "844-522-8847", "url" : "https://blog.acutis.com/post/a-new-variant-of-omicron-detected-ba-2" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "abstract" : "ABC News recently reported on New York area doctors disseminating information on the new 'stealth' COVID variant of Omicron, BA.2.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Acutis" }, "dateModified" : "April 7, 2023 8 PM", "datePublished" : "February 17, 2022 5 AM", "headline" : "A new variant of Omicron detected – BA.2", "image" : "https://info.acutis.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2b6d08_091a9f0b676146bd9aa07670035c81ee~mv2-2.jpg", "inLanguage" : "en", "keywords" : "[NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS]", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@type" : "WebPage" }, "name" : "A new variant of Omicron detected – BA.2", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent40.net/hubfs/21140295/logo-Acutis%20HD-2.webp" }, "name" : "Acutis Diagnostics Inc." }, "text" : "ABC News recently reported on New York area doctors disseminating information on the new 'stealth' COVID variant of Omicron, BA.2. Dr. Emil Lesho, the Infectious Disease Specialist at Rochester Regional Health, states the new variant is trickier to test for. Additionally, though there is no evidence right now showing BA.2 to be more harmful than the original Omicron, it's outpacing its parent virus in some places. Head of Infectious Diseases at Rochester General, Dr. Edward Walsh, is quoted to agree with Dr. Lesho, in that timing is too early to give any clear answer to what BA.2 is capable of, adding the new variant could just as well blend in with the current dominant strain. \"We can't take a false sense of security by believing Omicron will be the last variant of concern. That said though, we are in a lot better place to deal with these variants. As more and more people get vaccinated or as more people become immune, that will help a lot,\" states Dr. Lesho. Our team has worked extensively on ensuring our COVID-19 test can detect emerging variants – including BA.2 – and will continue to be vigilant regarding any new developing threats. Click here to learn more about Acutis Reveal™ COVID-19 PCR testing. Read the full article here.", "url" : "https://blog.acutis.com/post/a-new-variant-of-omicron-detected-ba-2", "wordCount" : "701" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Acutis", "url" : "https://blog.acutis.com/author/acutis" }, "dateModified" : "2023-04-07T20:03:40.209Z", "datePublished" : "2022-02-17T05:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "A new variant of Omicron detected – BA.2", "image" : [ "https://blog.acutis.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2b6d08_091a9f0b676146bd9aa07670035c81ee~mv2-2.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.acutis.com/post/a-new-variant-of-omicron-detected-ba-2", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.acutis.com/hubfs/logo-Acutis%20HD-2.webp" }, "name" : "Acutis Diagnostics Inc. | Acutis Biosciences" } } ```