South Korea has confirmed its first case of the BA.2.75 subvariant of the COVID-19 virus — nicknamed “Centaurus” — known to be the most transmissible out of all known COVID-19 variants and subvariants.

Especially of note, the positive case was reportedly a result of community transmission, which raises concerns that the coming COVID-19 wave in South Korea may be greater in size than what the government currently estimates.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced Thursday that it confirmed the first case of the BA.2.75 subvariant in South Korea. The individual who tested positive, who is in their 60s and lives in Incheon, showed symptoms on July 8 and had their COVID-19 diagnosis confirmed on Monday.

They did not travel domestically or internationally during the time they were likely infected, which means their infection was due to community transmission.

The individual is currently experiencing mild symptoms and is receiving at-home treatment. Additional positive cases have not surfaced yet among their four contacts, one of whom lives with them.

Read more...