First case of extremely virulent new Covid variant BA.2.86 detected in UK
A brand new Covid variant that sparked alarm within the US has now been detected within the UK.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated it’s at present “assessing” the scenario after a case of the BA.2.86 variant – often known as BA.X – was recognized.
In a publish on X, previously generally known as Twitter, the UKHSA stated: “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.
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.
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 on the WHO, stated on X that Covid BA.X has a “giant variety 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 additionally growing, however nonetheless stay at very low ranges. ICU admissions have elevated on this week’s report, however stay extraordinarily low.
“We will proceed to watch these charges intently.”
Symptoms
Although it isn’t precisely identified but how unwanted side effects of BA.2.86 differ from different strains, the CDC listed signs to look out for as:
Headaches
Fatigue
Sneezing
A runny nostril
A sore throat.
The organisation stated: “As we learn more about BA.2.86, CDC’s advice on protecting yourself from COVID-19 remains the same.”
This contains:
- Being updated on vaccines
- Keeping your own home ventilated and spending time outdoor
- Getting examined when you spot signs
- Staying house for a minimum of 5 days and limiting contact with others in case you have suspected or confirmed Covid.