SARS‑CoV‑2 enters human cells by binding

the ACE2 receptor via its spike protein. Genomic surveillance identifies a new

viral variant carrying multiple spike mutations that significantly increase

binding affinity to human ACE2. Laboratory studies show enhanced cell entry and

higher transmission rates in animal and human airway models. Importantly, this

variant shows no reduction in viral stability, replication efficiency, or

disease severity compared to earlier strains.

Assuming sustained human‑to‑human transmission and no

immediate population‑level immunity shift, what outcome is most likely over

time?