Forget ‘stealth omicron.’ A new COVID variant could soon be dominant in N.J.

In a sample isolated from a U.S. patient in February 2020, the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, indicated in yellow, emerges from the surface of cells, indicated in blue/pink, cultured in the lab.

An electron microscope image of SARS-CoV-2.AP

We’ve heard nonstop about the “stealth omicron” subvariant.

But another strain is about to take over in New Jersey.

Surveillance of the coronavirus in the state shows an increase of BA.2.12.1, which is also a descendent of the omicron variant.

BA.2.12.1 now accounts for 46.1% of specimens collected in New Jersey, not far behind BA.2 (stealth omicron) at 53.9%, according to the state’s variant surveillance report.

The rise tracks nationwide. BA.2.12.1 is responsible for 47.5% of the virus in the U.S. BA.2 accounts for 50.9%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention variant tracker.

BA.2.12.1 accounted for just 12.9% of all samples in early April, but that number has been steadily rising. The highly transmissible omicron sublineage — more contagious than BA.2 — was found earlier this year in Europe and in New York State.

While the variant continues to spread, new coronavirus cases continue to rise in New Jersey.

The state reported 2,402 new confirmed positive tests Monday as its seven-day average for confirmed cases was 3,850, nearly unchanged from a week ago, but up 120% from a month ago.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.