A brand new sub-variant of Omicron has been discovered within the UK as scientists work laborious to study extra about it.
A number of coronavirus variants have been found all through the pandemic with many turning into the dominant pressure, together with Delta and Omicron.
Now a mutant pressure - often known as Omicron XE - which is a mixture of the unique Omicron and Stealth Omicron has been found within the UK.
It comes because the Workplace for Nationwide Statistics (ONS) stated that 4.9 million folks within the UK have been contaminated with Covid-19 as of final weekend - a document excessive in the course of the pandemic.
Consultants say the surge might be all the way down to restrictions easing coupled with the rise of the Omicron BA.2 sub-variant, often known as Stealth Omicron.
A report launched by the UK Well being Safety Company (UKHSA) stated that a complete of 763 instances of Omicron XE have been reported throughout the UK as of March 22.
A complete of 637 of those XE instances have been detected in England. The majority of the instances are stated to be within the east of England, south east of England and London.
This is every little thing it's good to find out about Omicron XE and if there are any new signs.
What's Omicron XE?
XE is claimed to be a ‘recombinant’ of each the unique Omicron pressure and the so-called ‘stealth Omicron’, or BA.2.
Consultants are nonetheless finishing up analysis to substantiate whether or not XE is extra transmissible than BA.2.
There's thus far no proof to recommend that XE infections lead to extra extreme signs than earlier strains of the virus.
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at UKHSA, advised The Solar : “As with other forms of variant, most will die off comparatively rapidly.
“This explicit recombinant, XE, has proven a variable progress price and we can not verify but verify whether or not it has a real progress benefit.
“Up to now there may be not sufficient proof to attract conclusions about transmissibility, severity or vaccine effectiveness.”
In a report launched final week the WHO stated the XE recombinant was first detected within the UK on January 19 and stated early assessments confirmed it might be extra transmissible.
The report stated: “Early-day estimates point out a group progress price benefit of 10% as in comparison with BA.2, nonetheless this discovering requires additional affirmation.
“XE belongs to the Omicron variant till vital variations in transmission and illness traits, together with severity, could also be reported.”
What number of instances of Omicron XE are within the UK?
A report launched by the UK Well being Safety Company (UKHSA) stated that a complete of 763 instances of the mutant pressure have been reported throughout the UK as of March 22.
A complete of 637 XE of those instances have been detected in England. The majority of the instances are stated to be within the east of England, south east of England and London.
It's unclear if any instances of the XE variant have been present in Scotland thus far.
The Workplace for Nationwide Statistics (ONS) stated that 4.9 million folks within the UK have been contaminated with Covid-19 as of final weekend - a document excessive in the course of the pandemic.
Does Omicron XE have any completely different signs?
Because of the Omicron sub-variant being lately found, there are at present no new signs with Omicron XE.
Omicron signs are similar to a typical chilly, with basic three signs of cough, excessive temperature and lack of style or odor much less reported.
Based on ZOE COVID Examine app, the highest Omicron signs are:
runny nostril
headache
fatigue (delicate or extreme)
sneezing
sore throat
What are the brand new Covid signs?
The official record of Covid-19 signs has been expanded to incorporate 9 new indicators of sickness.
For the reason that begin of the pandemic, solely three signs have been listed by the NHS - a excessive temperature, a brand new, steady cough and a loss or change to the sense of odor or style.
Based on nhs.uk the indicators of Covid-19 that individuals ought to look out for additionally embrace:
- shortness of breath
feeling drained or exhausted
an aching physique
a headache
a sore throat
feeling drained or exhausted
an aching physique
a headache
a sore throat
a blocked or runny nostril
lack of urge for food
diarrhoea
feeling sick or being sick
A word on web site provides: “The signs are similar to signs of different diseases, equivalent to colds and flu.”
Each the World Well being Organisation and the Centres for Illness Management and Prevention within the US have had longer symptom lists for a while.
However within the UK the record had simply three signs on the record for nearly two years.
Do not miss the most recent information from round Scotland and past - Signal as much as our each day publicationright here.