Emerging SARS-CoV-2 Variant RE.1.1 On Track to Dominate and Spark New COVID-19 Surges
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 01, 2026 1 hour, 53 minutes ago
Medical News: As the world continues to grapple with evolving SARS-CoV-2 strains, a new variant designated RE.1.1—descended from the BA.3.2 lineage—is emerging as a potential driver of increased infections. First identified in sequences from Australia, RE.1.1 features recombinant elements, including segments from JF.1 in the M, ORF6, and partial ORF7a genes. This hypermutated profile, sometimes nicknamed part of the "Cicada" family under BA.3.2, raises concerns about enhanced transmissibility and immune evasion. In the broader landscape of world
Medical News, organizations like the WHO have highlighted rising COVID-19 activity across regions, with various new variants including new lineages form the BA.3.2 strains, fueling surges in Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America.
The New SARS-CoV-2 Variant RE1.1 is on track to cause the next COVID-19 Global Surge
While NB.1.8.1 has dominated past headlines for its rapid spread and links to higher viral loads, RE.1.1 appears positioned to follow suit, potentially outcompeting predecessors due to antigenic drift that boosts effective reproduction numbers (Re).
Experts warn that without updated surveillance, this could mirror past waves, with breakthroughs in vaccinated populations.
Origins and Genetic Profile
RE.1.1 alias BA.3.2.2.1.1, traces its origins with recombination breakpoints identified between nucleotides 26275-26529 and 27384-27597.
This genetic shuffling, observed in samples like EPI_ISL_20275963 from New South Wales, Australia, incorporates mutations that may enhance replication speed and evade T-cell epitopes.
Unlike earlier strains, RE.1.1's brute-force infection mechanism could lead to prolonged shedding in immunocompromised individuals, amplifying community transmission.
Projected Impact Globally
In countries where tourism and dense urban centers heighten vulnerability, RE.1.1 could exploit existing immunity gaps, potentially causing a late Winter and early Spring wave.
European data shows another close sub-lineage RE.2's fast initial growth, contrasting slower RE.1 uptake in Australia and suggesting immune landscapes play a role.
Globally, this variant's rise might overwhelm healthcare systems, echoing severity tied to certain HLA types.
Recommendations for Mitigation
Health authorities should start advocating masking and urgent deployment of clean-air strategies in schools, offices, malls and in all crowded and public places. Ongoing genomic sequencing is crucial to track RE.1.1's trajectory.
As RE.1.1 edges toward predominance, proactive measures could avert a major surge, but delays risk repeating history's costly lessons.
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