Florida: Omicron BA.5 variant dominates as COVID-19 rises in Central Florida wastewater

Omicron BA.5 variant dominates as COVID-19 rises in Central Florida wastewater BA.5's prevalence means Central Florida residents are more likely to catch COVID-19 even if they were previously infected or vaccinated. Orlando Sentinel

As COVID-19 cases continue their months-long climb, wastewater testing suggests many Central Floridians may lack protection from the most common type of COVID-19 in the region.

On Thursday, BA.5 was the most common COVID-19 mutation detected in multiple wastewater systems across Orange and Seminole counties. BA.5 is one of several types of omicron and, along with BA.4, seems to be the most infectious strain to date.

Sewer service areas managed by Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, and Orange County began testing for omicron subvariants BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5 in June, Orange County Utilities spokesperson Sarah Lux said in an email.

“As we expected, in the short time that we have been monitoring the newest omicron sub-variants, we have seen a transition to BA.5 as the most dominant,” Lux said.

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