First case of highly virulent new Covid variant BA.2.86 detected in UK
A new Covid variant that sparked alarm in the US has now been detected in the UK.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it is currently “assessing” the situation after a case of the BA.2.86 variant – also known as BA.X – was identified.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the UKHSA said: “A case of the COVID-19 variant BA.2.86 has been identified in the UK and a number of other countries. “
Just yesterday (August 17) the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced BA.2.86 “variant under monitoring” due to the large number of mutations it carries.
At the time it had been discovered in the United States, Denmark and Israel.
READ MORE The people found to be most at risk of Covid – new study as Eris variant emerges
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also said yesterday it was tracking the BA.2.86 strain.
Today, Doctor Meera Chand, deputy director at the UKHSA, said: “We’re aware that BA.2.86 has been detected in the UK.
“UKHSA is assessing the situation and will provide further information in due course.”
Why is this strain cause for concern?
Due to the number of mutations the strain has undergone there are fears it could be less affected by previous infections and existing vaccines.
Don’t miss…
Fever ‘no longer main Covid symptom’ – symptoms to spot as new variants emerge[INSIGHT]
GP shares ‘key difference’ between summer flu and Covid to look out for[EXPERT ADVICE]
Simple at home test to see if you have flu or new Covid variant Eris[EXCLUSIVE ]
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Jesse Bloom, an evolutionary biologist at the Fred Hutch Cancer Centre, explained: “Deep mutational scanning indicates BA.2.86 variant will have equal or greater escape than XBB.1.5 from antibodies elicited by pre-Omicron and first-generation Omicron variants.”
Maria Van Kerkhove, epidemiologist and lead for the Covid response at the WHO, said on X that Covid BA.X has a “large number of mutations”.
According to the CDC, the variant is thought to account for around 17 percent of current COVID-19 cases.
The discovery comes as the latest government figures show that the number of people testing positive for Covid is steadily on the increase in England.
In the week before and including August 13, 930 people tested positive for Covid.
This is a 17.4 percent increase compared to the seven days prior.
Doctor Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at UKHSA, said: “The latest data shows that COVID-19 cases continue to rise.
“To help combat the spread of the virus, we continue to advise that anyone with symptoms of a respiratory infection should try to stay at home and away from others – especially those who are vulnerable.”
“Hospitalisations are also increasing, but still remain at very low levels. ICU admissions have increased in this week’s report, but remain extremely low.
“We will continue to monitor these rates closely.”
Symptoms
Although it is not exactly known yet how side effects of BA.2.86 differ from other strains, the CDC listed symptoms to look out for as:
Headaches
Fatigue
Sneezing
A runny nose
A sore throat.
The organisation said: “As we learn more about BA.2.86, CDC’s advice on protecting yourself from COVID-19 remains the same.”
This includes:
- Being up to date on vaccines
- Keeping your home ventilated and spending time outdoors
- Getting tested if you spot symptoms
- Staying home for at least five days and limiting contact with others if you have suspected or confirmed Covid.
Source: Read Full Article