The second detected sub version of Omicron, BA.2, which is currently said to wreak havoc in many countries, is called the Stealth Edition. As the name suggests, it is stealthy because although it has several common mutations with the progenitor BA.1 Omicron variant, it does not have a genetic deletion on the spike protein making it difficult to identify in the RT PCR method. This type takes longer to track down, hence the name “stealth”.
On February 22, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued an official statement on this version for the first time. WHO stated that BA.2 would be considered a form of concern based on available data on transmission, severity, re-infection, diagnosis, therapeutics and effects of vaccines.