While signs remain encouraging on Omicrons severity compared with Delta, the high levels of community transmission continue and may cause pressures on health services. If you have any symptoms of a respiratory infection, and a high temperature or feel unwell, try to stay at home or away from others especially those who are elderly or vulnerable. Those aged 18 to 39 should wait to be called. As viruses mutate often and at random, it is not unusual for small numbers of cases to arise featuring new sets of mutations. Both are variants in the Omicron family. Where individuals are identified as being a possible or probable case of Omicron, their close contacts will be contacted and advised they are required to isolate for 10 days, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or received a negative COVID-19 test result. Scratchy throat. While in the UK, the individual was in Westminster, London. At this point it is not possible to determine where the sublineage may have originated. It is very likely that we will find more cases over the coming days as we are seeing in other countries globally and as we increase case detection through focused contact tracing. UKHSA continues to monitor and study variants of SARS-CoV-2 closely and is working with academic partners to rapidly assess the significance of the lineages BA.4 and BA.5. The team at ZOE, a study that tracks symptoms . UKHSA is monitoring the situation closely, in partnership with scientific and public health organisations across the world. As of 2 May 2022, 21 confirmed cases of Omicron BA.4 and 19 confirmed cases of Omicron BA.5 have been detected in England. Consider wearing a face covering when in crowded places. As previously published, data continues to show vaccine effectiveness against hospitalisation for Omicron remains high. In some places, growth in recorded cases of the sub-variant has been sharp. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. With the original version of the omicron variant, which swept across the U.S. at a dizzying speed last winter, the loss of taste and smell was not as common as with the earlier alpha and delta variants. UKHSA has performed an initial laboratory evaluation of the current lateral flow devices (LFDs) for COVID-19 in current use in the UK. It is therefore vital that people continue to exercise caution in order to limit the transmission of the virus. They save lives and prevent serious illness. This will include analysing live samples of the new variant in our laboratories to investigate properties such as response to current vaccines. Positive tests with sufficient virus detected from people arriving in the UK are sent for confirmation through Whole Genome Sequencing, regardless of the presence or absence of SGTF. UKHSAis acting to get scientific information available as quickly as possible in order to inform the right balance of interventions to prevent transmission and protect lives. The areas with the largest number of confirmed cases are London (146) and the South East (97). An important question is whether BA.2 or BA.3 will become a new dominating "variant of concern". Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter', Why half of India's urban women stay at home. Please take up this offer as soon as you are eligible to protect yourself, your families and your communities. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Our findings suggest the current wave of Omicron infections is unlikely to lead to a major surge in severe disease in care home populations with high levels of vaccine coverage and/or natural immunity. Whilst Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 are in the early stages of growth in the UK, analysis of the available data suggests that they are likely to have a growth advantage over the currently-dominant Omicron BA.2 variant. Omicron sublineages BQ.1 and XBB have been given UKHSA variant designations to facilitate continued studies. There are indications of a small rise in children admitted to hospital, but these early signals need further investigations before we can draw any conclusions about whether Omicron causes more severe illness in children. UKHSA is undertaking further detailed studies. Omicron has branched into three lineages, explains Thomas Russo, M.D., professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York: BA.1, BA.2, and BA.3. Nine cases have also been identified in Scotland, with 5 cases in the Lanarkshire area and 4 in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area. UKHSA continues to examine all available data relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad. . You have accepted additional cookies. It is vital that everyone over the age of 40 who is eligible for a booster jab comes forward as soon as possible to get increased protection against this new variant. ; An increase in new cases is being . Recent studies suggest that BA.2 has a. Omicron BA.2.75, the variant derived from the BA.2 lineage which was identified internationally earlier this month, has now been categorised as a separate variant and given the designation V-22JUL-01. Wear a mask in crowded spaces and, when meeting people indoors, open windows and doors to ventilate the room. For some more vulnerable a third dose is available. Dr Meera Chand, Director of Clinical and Emerging Infection at UKHSA, said: It is not unexpected to see new variants of SARS-CoV-2 emerge. However, one must note, these are only early stage symptoms. It is the best defence we have against this highly transmissible new variant. UKHSA analysis shows that the risk of hospital admission for an identified case with Omicron is reduced compared to a case of Delta. Following the change in JCVI advice earlier this week, a booster dose for everyone over 18 years is now recommended and will be available at a minimum of 3 months from your last primary course jab. In the most recent week of data (specimen dates from 30 November 2021 reported as of 6 December), the number of cases with SGTF has increased to 705. They are our best defence and we have turbocharged our rollout programme inviting 7 million more people over the age of 40 to get their booster jab so even more people get protection from this disease. Data and analysis will be released in due course through our regular surveillance reporting. This edition includes an update on the current circulating lineages, including several cases of Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 which have been detected in the UK. The latest number of COVID-19 cases with mutations consistent with B.1.1.529 in England are published on UKHSAs social media channels. Earlier COVID-19 variants affected the lung tissue more and had a higher likelihood of causing pneumonia and other severe outcomes. We have started to see cases where there are no links to travel, suggesting that we have a small amount of community transmission. Please take up this offer as soon as you are eligible to protect yourself, your families and your communities. The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 29. BA.2 infections in Germany are also growing faster than BA.1 and Delta, according to Dr Meera Chand, Covid-19 director at the UKHSA. The individuals who have tested positive and their contacts have been asked to self-isolate. Apart from dizziness and fatigue, some other signs of BA.2 Omicron Variants include: Fever and body aches Loss of taste Nausea or Vomiting Abdominal pain Fever Extreme fatigue Coughing Sore throat Muscular fatigue Elevated heart rate Breathless in severe cases readmore End of Story One individual diagnosed in hospital has sadly died. Its critical that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms isolates and gets a PCR test immediately. In India, BA.2 is rapidly replacing the Delta and Omicron BA.1 variants of Covid, BA.2 was first detected in the Philippines, About half of new cases in Denmark are caused by BA.2, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Mother who killed her five children euthanised, Alex Murdaugh jailed for life for double murder, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, Zoom boss Greg Tomb fired without cause, US sues Exxon over nooses found at Louisiana plant. One case is located in Camden, London, and one case is located in Wandsworth, London. UKHSA is constantly monitoring the situation and working to understand the implications for public health. Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at UKHSA, said: These early estimates should be treated with caution but they indicate that a few months after the second jab, there is a greater risk of catching the Omicron variant compared to Delta strain. UKHSA Chief Medical Advisor, Dr Susan Hopkins said: It is increasingly evident that Omicron is highly infectious and there is emerging laboratory and early clinical evidence to suggest that both vaccine-acquired and naturally acquired immunity against infection is reduced for this variant. B.1.1.529 has a large number of mutations in the gene coding for the spike protein, and also in other parts of the viral genome. Evidence continues to show that Omicron is transmitting more rapidly than the dominant Delta variant. There are also hybrid strains, such as XE, which is a combination of BA.1 and BA.2 By Alex Finnis As of 20 October, there were 15,120 cases of VUI-21OCT-01 confirmed by whole genome sequences in England since it was first detected in July. Due to the early nature of the findings, all estimates are subject to significant uncertainty and are subject to change. One of the most common symptoms of the Omicron subvariant BA.2 is nausea. A preliminary assessment by UKHSA did not find a difference in vaccine effectiveness, although it said there was no data yet available on severity. Analysis shows that protection against symptomatic disease 2 to 4 weeks after a booster dose ranges from around 65% to 75%, dropping to 55% to 65% at 5 to 9 weeks and 45% to 50% 10 weeks or more following the booster dose. An ad blocker has likely prevented this video content from loading. Genome sequencing among the states is not always fair. pic.twitter.com/ESQupxUet4. Neither have currently been designated as variants of concern. According to the COVID Symptom Study, the five most common symptoms are the same: Runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing and sore throat. Work is underway to identify any links to travel. However, it is not confirmatory as there are a number of other reasons that a sample might exhibit SGTF. Data continues to show COVID-19 poses a very low health risk to children and infants. The latest variant technical briefing suggests that Omicron continues to grow rapidly in all regions of England as measured by confirmed cases and S gene target failure (SGTF). 34 Subsequent studies that were performed in periods when a mix of BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5 viruses circulated have reported low effectiveness of a second booster against . BA.2.75.2 as a new variant but singled it out as an . This suggests that, as immunity begins to wane, these newly emerging BA.2 variants may fuel future waves of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thats why its critical that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms isolates and gets a PCR test immediately. What are the symptoms of BA.2? UKHSA encourage everyone to continue to follow the most up-to date guidance. Analyses of sequenced SGTF samples has indicated that until mid-November, more than 99% of these were Delta cases. "Looking at other countries where BA.2 is now overtaking, we're not seeing any higher bumps in hospitalisation than expected," the WHO's Dr Boris Pavlin says. Aside from all of the usual COVID symptoms, like a dry cough, a scratchy throat, fatigue, and muscle aches, the Stealth variant is thought to cause a few other distinct issues. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. In the UK, 38 cases of XF have been identified, though none have been seen since mid February. This matches a recent study led by Oxford University and the Office for National Statistics (ONS), using data from the COVID-19 Infection Survey produced by the latter. Even if a smaller proportion of these individuals require hospitalisation, these are still large numbers of people requiring hospital care and pressures on the NHS will increase. This will include analysing live samples of the new variant in our laboratories to investigate properties including its response to current vaccines. Cases have been confirmed through whole genome sequencing in all 9 regions of England. AstraZeneca was the main vaccine used early in the programme in care homes and among those in clinical risk groups. Experts in Kolkata say that BA.2 symptoms are mostly associated with abdomen and stomach instead of cough or shortness of breath. Wear a mask in crowded places, including public transport and shops, to ensure we all help break the chains of transmission and slow the spread of this new variant. In the age group of 20-50 years, significant severity is not expected. It includes a complete list of studies planned and already under way into the emerging variant. Among those who had received 2 doses of Pfizer or Moderna, effectiveness dropped from around 65 to 70% down to around 10% by 20 weeks after the seconddose. We have now identified cases in the East Midlands, East of England, London and North West. The genome of VUI-21OCT-01 does not have many mutations compared to Delta. UKHSA is acting to get scientific information available as quickly as possible in order to inform the right balance of interventions to prevent transmission and protect lives. As we cautiously return to Plan A, I encourage you to give yourself and your loved ones the best protection possible and Get Boosted Now. A second BTN162b2 booster was previously found to be 52% and 72% effective in preventing Omicron BA.1 infection and hospitalization, respectively, in adults 60 years. We have seen a rise in hospital admissions in line with community infections but vaccinations are continuing to keep ICU admissions and deaths at low levels. The earliest of these has a specimen date of 19 January 2022. Please also make sure to follow all Government guidance to reduce the spread of infection. More evidence is needed to know whether this is due to changes in the virus behaviour or to epidemiological conditions. As we learn to live safely with COVID-19, there are actions we can all take to help reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 and passing it on to others. According to the CDC, the Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Delta variant. Yet fears of another Omicron wave in the United States may be. The risk of catching or passing on COVID-19 is greatest when someone who is infected is physically close to, or sharing an enclosed or poorly ventilated space with, other people. Scientists in the UK and abroad are closely monitoring BA.2, a sub-variant of Omicron. Inthe SIREN study, a large cohort of healthcare workers are tested regularly by PCR to detect asymptomatic infection in addition to normal testing practices for symptomatic infection. BA.2 has been under close . Studies in the UK reveal (where stealth Omicron is already spreading at a high rate) that people infected with the sub-variant show gut-related . Vaccine efficacy analysis continues to show lower effectiveness for symptomatic Omicron disease. Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor for UKHSA, said: Ongoing variant analysis is an important part of our pandemic response. However, vaccinated people are still less likely to get infected than unvaccinated individuals, and they are also less likely to pass it on. The BA.2 variant is a sibling of the BA.1, which swept across the country over Christmas. In severe cases, the SpO2 Level may also decrease. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified 8 further cases of COVID-19 with mutations consistent with B.1.1.529 in England, in addition to the previous 5 confirmed cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant known as B.1.1.529. Please come forward to receive your booster as soon as possible. Under the new system, the variant of concern (VOC) label will be assigned to variants which are currently emerging or circulating, and which the following characteristics can be confirmed or predicted: 1. Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of UKHSA, said: We are continuing our efforts to understand the effect of this variant on transmissibility, severe disease, mortality, antibody response and vaccine efficacy. 1 case has been identified in Wales. We are particularly grateful to health protection specialists and the government of South Africa for early sharing of local information on the omicron variant in an exemplary way to support global health security. The individuals and their households have been told to self-isolate. As of January 10 2022, 53 sequences of the BA.2 sub-lineage of Omicron had been identified in the United Kingdom. UKHSA are continuing to monitor data on the BA.2 sub-lineage closely. The newest COVID variant taking the world by storm is Omicron's stealthy sub-variant BA.2, and it seems to have brought on a new barrage of gastrointestinal symptoms with it. It has since swept the globe, eventually vanquishing other variants including delta. In addition, UKHSA has published data which shows the detection of cases exhibiting S-gene target failure (SGTF) in recent weeks across the country. Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said: Hospitalisations always lag a few weeks behind infections, therefore it isnt surprising that we have started to see people being admitted to hospital with the Omicron variant. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified 2 further cases of COVID-19 with mutations consistent with B.1.1.529 in England, in addition to the previous 3 confirmed cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant known as B.1.1.529 on 27 and 28 November. Thats why its critical that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms isolates and gets a PCR test immediately.. Many people who have Omicron say it feels like a common cold, and here are the 8 early warning signs you need to look out for. Where individualsare suspected or confirmed to have theOmicron variantas the result of testing, their close contacts will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace, required to self-isolate and asked to take aPCRtest,regardless of whether they have been vaccinated. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released a new variant technical briefing detailing updated analysis of epidemiological and genomic data relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants currently circulating in the UK, including the XBB.1.5 variant which has been increasing in the US in recent months. New sub-lineages within Delta continue to be identified. Dr Meera Chand, Director of Clinical and Emerging Infections, UKHSA, said: Through our genomic surveillance we continue to see evolution of variants in the Omicron family. It is one for the scientists to watch, rather than for the public to be alarmed about at this stage. The most important thing everyone can do now is to get any vaccine dose that you are eligible for it is by far the most effective action you can take to protect yourself, your families and your communities. Hospital admissions are increasing, and we cannot risk the NHS being overwhelmed. Anewrisk assessment for OmicronVOC-21NOV-01 (B.1.1.529)has also been published and is available here. There will be no other categorisation of variants, including no variant under investigation (VUI) category. These people are spread around the country and are a mix of age ranges between 18 to 85 years the majority had received 2 doses of vaccination. UKHSA has also released a variant risk assessment for Omicron BA.4 and BA.5, summarising the emerging epidemiology and laboratory evidence. Prior infection is 44% effective at preventing future infection, increasing to 71% with 3 doses of the vaccine. The technical briefing also includes early analysis of vaccine effectiveness against the Omicron variant compared to Delta. What is the stealth omicron, or BA.2, variant? The individuals that have tested positive and their contacts are all isolating. These are some of the symptoms that you should be looking out for: High temperature. Delta and Omicron Cases are being eclipsed by BA2 Variant rapidly. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding people to ensure their COVID-19 vaccinations are up to date and to continue following COVID-safe behaviours, as latest technical data indicates BA.4 and BA.5 have become dominant in the UK and are driving the recent increase in infections. Symptoms of BA.2 appear to largely mirror those of the original version of the omicron variant: an upper respiratory illness that causes sore throat, cough, congestion, headache and fatigue. Working alongside Cambridge University MRC Biostatistics unit, UKHSA analysed 528,176 Omicron cases and 573,012 Delta cases between 22 November and 26 December to assess the risk of hospitalisation in England after testing positive for Omicron. The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 22. Omicron BA.4 and Omicron BA.5 were designated as variants of concern on 18 May on the basis of an apparent growth advantage over the previously-dominant Omicron BA.2 variant. Work is underway to identify any links to travel to Southern Africa. Download the data.xlsx. The most affected local authorities are West Northamptonshire, where there are 49 confirmed cases and 68 SGTF, and Manchester, where there are 7 confirmed cases and 61 SGTF. At the moment there is much that is not yet clear. Vaccination is critical to help us bolster our defences against this new variant please get your first, second, third or booster jab without delay. As of 20 December,132individuals with confirmed Omicron have been admitted to or transferred from emergency departments. UKHSA is carrying out targeted testing at locations where the positive cases were likely to be infectious. If you have any symptoms, take a test. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and recommend appropriate public health measures if needed. UKHSAs most recent variant technical briefing includes examination of a number of recombinant variants which have been identified in the UK, as well as updated epidemiological and genomic analysis of Omicron BA.2. How are Covid rules changing across UK schools? Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at UKHSA said: It is clear that the increasing prevalence of Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 are significantly increasing the case numbers we have observed in recent weeks. Updated analysisshows theadditional incremental benefit from each vaccine exposureincluding for boosters, even in those who have had prior infection. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. So far, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether BA.2 causes more severe illness than Omicron BA.1, but data is limited and UKHSA continues to investigate. However, it remains too early to draw any definitive conclusions on hospital severity, and the increased transmissibility of Omicron and the rising cases in the over 60s population in England means it remains highly likely that there will be significant pressure on the NHS in coming weeks. We have also learnt that BA.2 has a slightly higher secondary attack rate than BA.1 in households. A number of Omicron variants are currently circulating in England, many of which have acquired mutations which may produce a degree of immune escape. And even if it does become the dominant version of Omicron, it may not actually alter the trajectory of the pandemic in countries that have seen a big wave of BA.1. UKHSA is gathering scientific information as quickly as possible in order to inform the right balance of interventions to prevent transmission and protect lives. BA.2 is found to be able to alarmingly reinfect patients originally infected by Omicron BA.1. The population rate of people becoming infected with Omicron after having previously contracted COVID-19 has increased sharply. So, like the original omicron strain (BA.1), the primary symptoms of a mild BA.2 infection are a cough, fever, fatigue and possible loss of taste or smell. Dr Chand said: "So far, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether BA.2 causes more severe illness than Omicron BA.1. The study also showed evidence to suggest that the BA.2 sub-variant is better able to evade vaccines. It appears to have a growth advantage compared to the version of Omicron, BA.1, that has swept the globe. This suggests that BA.5 is likely to become the dominant COVID-19 variant in the UK. We expect the vaccines to show higher protection against the serious complications of COVID-19, so if you havent yet had your first 2 doses please book an appointment straight away. If you have symptoms take a PCR test and isolate at home until you receive a negative result. The data suggests this risk is significantly reduced following a booster vaccine, so I urge everyone to take up their booster when eligible. Our advanced sequencing capabilities enable us to find variants and take rapid action to limit onward spread. A growth rate potentially compatible with the eventual replacement of the current dominant variant. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published the latest Variant Technical Briefing. Its not too late to catch up if youve missed boosters, or even first doses so please take your recommended vaccines. A study of 8,500 households and 18,000 individuals conducted by Denmark's SSI found that BA.2 was "substantially" more transmissible than BA.1. Booster jabs are protecting people against infection and severe disease so I urge you to play your part in our national mission and get boosted now. The variant technical briefing also includes updated analysis on Omicron BA.2, currently the dominant variant in the UK. You will not always know whether someone you come into contact with is at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from respiratory infections, including COVID-19. Delta remains the predominant variantin England, accounting for over 99% of all COVID-19 cases. This increased to 63% for BA.1 and 70% for BA.2 at 2 weeks following a third vaccine. The updated risk assessment includes indicators for infection severity in both adults and children. Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: This data is yet more evidence that vaccines remain our best line of defence against COVID-19. What are the symptoms of BA.2? This particular recombinant, XE, has shown a variable growth rate and we cannot yet confirm whether it has a true growth advantage. The v Any variants showing evidence of spread are rapidly assessed. ; BA.5 sometimes gives rise to more marked symptomssometimes with digestive symptoms . Our continued genomic surveillance allows us to detect them and assess whether they are significant. Our data shows that LFD tests are similarly able to detect COVID-19 in individuals who have been exposed to Omicron as in those exposed to previous variants. A total 637 cases of XE a recombinant of Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 have been confirmed in the UK so far. We have now identified cases in the East Midlands, East of England, London, South East and North West. However, confidence levels for severity indicators for children are low because further analysis is required to compare the risk of hospitalisation between Omicron and Delta, and to assess the clinical nature of illness in children. So far, there have been 717 V-22OCT-01 sequences uploaded from the UK to the international GISAID database. And now, dizziness and fatigue are beginning to emerge as potential symptoms of the new sub-strain of Omicron, along with the original Covid symptoms. Currently, no experimental data has been reported about BA.2 and BA.3.
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