A new Covid variant has hit the UK, with cases of the Pirola Omicron strain spiking across the nation.
Pirola, scientifically called BA.2.86, has caused concern among experts as it has 34 mutations which makes it easier to evade vaccines. This comes as the UK has seen 97,904 new cases, as of Friday, September 22, according to ZOE Health Study.
The strain originated in Israel and Denmark, and has since spread to the UK, USA, South Africa, Sweden, France, Portugal, Canada, Thailand, Switzerland and most recently, Australia.
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ZOE has detailed the five symptoms to watch out for. The most common symptoms include a runny nose, headache, fatigue (mild or severe), sneezing and a sore throat. But there have also been less common symptoms reported, including diarrhoea, eye irritation and rashes.
Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency, Dame Jenny Harries said: “As we continue to live with COVID-19 we expect to see new variants emerge.
“Thanks to the success of our vaccine programme, we have built strong, broad immune defences against new variants throughout the population. However, some people remain more vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19. This precautionary measure to bring forward the autumn programme will ensure these people have protection against any potential wave this winter.
“There is limited information available at present on BA.2.86 so the potential impact of this particular variant is difficult to estimate. As with all emergent and circulating COVID-19 variants – both in the UK and internationally – we will continue to monitor BA.2.86 and to advise government and the public as we learn more. In the meantime, please come forward for the vaccine when you are called.”
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