A new coronavirus variant is rampantly spreading across the UK, experts have confirmed.
And while the strain – known as the Pirola strain – itself is “not likely to make people seriously ill”, it is expected to take a firm grip as the UK moves into the winter months.
The Express reports that the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) published its findings on today, Friday (September 22), which contains updated analysis of the BA.2.86 variant – also known as the Pirola strain.
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Symptoms include:
- A high fever
- Cough
- Cold
- Loss of the sense of taste or smell
The UKHSA described how the virus is “continuing to transmit” and while cases are so far “sporadic”, they are being identified in “most regions”. Now, winter approaches and temperatures start to fall, the spread is expected to continue.
In a statement, the UKHSA said: “These early data indicate that BA.2.86 is no more likely to evade existing antibodies than XBB.1.5, another variant which has been circulating widely in the UK.
“While the available data remains limited, there is currently no evidence to suggest that BA.2.86 infection is more likely to make people seriously ill than currently-circulating variants, while vaccination is likely to provide continued protection.”
The new variant is not causing any issues in regards to the vaccination programme rolled out for the vulnerable and elderly people who can get their boosters. However, the UKHSA has assured it will continue to inspect how well the vaccine continues to shield people from becoming seriously ill.
Professor Susan Hopkins, the chief medical advisor for the UKHSA said: “While this is still very early data and more research is needed before we can be certain, it is encouraging to see an initial indication that BA.2.86 demonstrates similar levels of antibody escape compared to other variants circulating in the UK.
“The available data is too limited to draw conclusions about the severity of the illness it causes, but there is so far no evidence to suggest that it is more likely to make people seriously ill than other Omicron variants in circulation.
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“The autumn vaccination programme started this month, and this new data shows once again how important it is that the most vulnerable among us are fully vaccinated in order to receive the greatest possible protection. I urge everyone eligible to come forward for their next dose as soon as they are called.”
Data surrounding the UK’s 54 Pirola cases
There have been 48 cases of the Pirola strain in England. Of these, 30 emerged from an outbreak in a care home, the UKHSA has confirmed. The care home was in the east of England.
The other 18 cases have been identified by scientists via routine genomic surveillance – the standard method used to track a disease’s progression.
Out of the 48 cases, 10 have needed hospital treatment and another two were tested in an emergency department.
A further six people are known to have been escalated to hospital, but their current condition is not known.
So far, there have been no known deaths due to Covid-19 among the cases outlined.
The UKHSA added: “As we head into the winter months when case rates are expected to rise as people mix more indoors, it remains vital that people continue to follow the latest guidance in order to avoid catching and transmitting COVID-19.
“The advice remains unchanged; if you have any symptoms of respiratory infection, you should limit your contact with other people as much as possible, especially the elderly and those with existing medical conditions.
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