The Pirola variant, also known as BA.2.86, is a highly mutated COVID-19 variant that was first detected in Denmark on July 24, 2023. It has more than 30 mutations in its spike protein compared with Omicron variants. The variant has been detected in 11 countries so far. Although it has caused concern among scientists due to its large number of mutations, it has not caused severe illness or driven a surge in cases and hospitalizations in the US. Less than 1,000 cases of BA.2.86 have been reported worldwide so far. The variant has been identified as the cause of an outbreak at a care home in Norfolk, UK, where 28 people have been infected. It is unclear whether the new variant comes with distinctive symptoms, but the variants seen to date have caused coughing, sore throats, runny noses, fatigue, aches, and altered senses of smell and taste. Moderna and Pfizer have said their updated COVID-19 vaccines appear to generate a strong immune response against BA.2.86, and experts anticipate the shots will provide good protection against newer strains circulating this fall. Data from lab studies suggest the Pirola variant may be less contagious and immune-evasive than previously feared. The World Health Organization (WHO) said that more data is needed to understand this COVID-19 variant and the extent of its spread.