Omicron BA.2 lacks the genetic deletion on the spike protein which produces S-gene target failure (SGTF) in some polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, which has been used as a proxy for Omicron cases previously. Neither have been designated as variants of concern by UKHSA. There is further data showing that effectiveness against symptomatic disease is significantly lower compared to the Delta variant, and wanes more quickly. #India is another country where #SARS_CoV_2 BA.2 is rapidly replacing #Delta & #Omicron BA.1. The updated risk assessment includes indicators for infection severity in both adults and children. The full document and underlying data is available on GOV.UK. UKHSA is monitoring the situation closely, in partnership with scientific and public health organisations across the world. Since BA.2 is a sub-strain of the Omicron variant, it is expected that its symptoms will be similar. There will be no other categorisation of variants, including no variant under investigation (VUI) category. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) can confirm that 10 people have been hospitalised with the Omicron variant in England; the individuals were diagnosed on or before admission. While in the UK, the individual was in Westminster, London. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified 7 further cases of COVID-19 with mutations consistent with B.1.1.529 in England, in addition to the previous 22 confirmed cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant known as B.1.1.529. At this point it is not possible to determine where the sublineage may have originated. 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. "We must remain vigilant and take up vaccinations. But the latest data suggests this extra protection starts to wane more rapidly, being about 15 to 25% lower from 10 weeks after the booster dose. UKHSA has also published a breakdown of confirmed Omicron cases and SGTF cases by local authority. Everybody who is contacted or has symptoms should take a PCR test as soon as possible, even if they have received a positive COVID-19 PCR test within the last 90 days. Previous updates were published by Public Health England. The individual is no longer in the UK, but UKHSA is carrying out targeted testing at locations where the positive case visited when they were likely to have been infectious. The latest data confirmed that among those who had received 2 doses of AstraZeneca, there was no effect against Omicron from 20 weeks after the second dose. Omicron has a deletion atposition69/70of the spike proteinwhich allows it to be tracked through S gene target failure(SGTF)in some PCR tests. Omicron continues to grow faster than Delta, with an increased risk of transmission, particularly in contacts outside of the household. Runny nose. While evidence is still emerging, so far it does not appear this variant causes more severe disease or renders the vaccines currently deployed any less effective. Experts say BA.2 symptoms don't seem to be all that distinct from original Omicron (BA.1) or the immediately preceding Delta variant. 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. 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. BA.2 is estimated to account for approximately 93.7% of cases in England, with the highest prevalence in the South East (96.4%) and the lowest in the East Midlands (91.1%). Protection against hospitalisation from vaccines is good against the Omicron variant. Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor for UKHSA, said: Ongoing variant analysis is an important part of our pandemic response. We have started to see cases where there are no links to travel, suggesting that we have a small amount of community transmission. That contrasts to Denmark, where it has become dominant. The vaccination status was unknown for 6 people, while 8 had received a single dose. This will include analysing live samples of the new variant in our laboratories to investigate properties such as response to current vaccines. BA.2 attacking abdomen instead of lungs. However, it should be noted both that this is early data and more research is required to confirm these findings. BQ.1 (V-22OCT-01) is a BA.5 sub-lineage which has been designated on the basis of rapid growth. Two major BA.2 variant symptoms include dizziness and fatigue, as I wrote for the Deseret News. People infected with Omicron are also less likely to experience fever or loss of taste and smell. 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. These are potentially biologically significant mutations which may change the behaviour of the virus with regards to immune escape, transmissibility or susceptibility to treatments, but this has not been proven. UKHSA is constantly monitoring the situation and working to understand the implications for public health. An ad blocker has likely prevented this video content from loading. Our continued genomic surveillance allows us to detect them and assess whether they are significant. Booster doses also increase the protection against symptomatic and asymptomatic infection which will reduce transmission in the population. The latest Omicron SARS-CoV-2 subvariant, which scientists have labeled BA.2.12.1, is on track to become the most virulent strain in the United States currently. This is more promising data which reinforces just how important vaccines are. Follow the latest self-isolation rules if you develop symptoms wear a mask where required to do so, take regular LFD tests and observe good hand hygiene. The Omicron variant sub-lineage known as BA.2 has been designated a variant under investigation ( VUI-22JAN-01) by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Spector shared a list of symptom prevalence from people who had tested positive for COVID, most of whom were estimated to have caught BA.2, he said. Thats why its so important that everybody, everywhere, takes simple steps to protect themselves from infection. Available data are limited at this early stage, but it remains likely that the cases identified so far are a result of a number of separate introductions into the country. XBB (V-22OCT-02) is a recombinant lineage derived from 2 previous Omicron sublineages. The omicron variant of the coronavirus was first detected in late 2021. As prevalence increases, its more important than ever that we all remain alert, take precautions, and ensure that were up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, which remain our best form of defence against the virus. In total, 40 countries have uploaded 8,040 BA.2 sequences to GISAID since 17 November 2021. We will continue to closely analyse all available biological, epidemiological and genomic evidence for any SARS-CoV-2 variant in the UK or internationally. 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. . Once again, we urge everyone who is able to get a booster jab to come forward and do so. 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. A runny nose, gastrointestinal issues, headache and a skin rash are other common signs and symptoms. 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. 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. Fatigue. Prior infection is 44% effective at preventing future infection, increasing to 71% with 3 doses of the vaccine. UKHSA is gathering scientific information as quickly as possible in order to inform the right balance of interventions to prevent transmission and protect lives. Continue to exercise caution. Evidence continues to show that Omicron is transmitting more rapidly than the dominant Delta variant. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published the latest variant technical briefing. Overall, the original Omicron lineage, BA.1, is dominant in the UK and the proportion of BA.2 cases is currently low. What are the symptoms of BA.2? The early observations for 2 doses of AstraZeneca are particularly likely to be unreliable as they are based on small numbers and are likely to reflect an older population and a population with more co-morbidities than those given the Pfizer vaccine. However, any stay in hospital for a child is too long if youre a parent and its important we all take precautions to avoid the spread of infection. Everyone should complete a primary course as soon as possible for most this will be a first and second dose. The analysis shows that coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the UK are primarily made up of BQ.1 and its sublineages, consistent with the UKHSA risk assessment published in October. UKHSAwill continue to carry out laboratory and epidemiological investigations to better understand the characteristics of this variant. "The symptoms of the Omicron variant, which includes the BA.2 lineage, and the Delta variant, are similar," says Dr. Erica Johnson, MD, the chair of the Infectious Disease Board of the . According to the CDC, the Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Delta variant. 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. The highly transmissible Omicron variant now accounts for half of the world's infections. Dr Jenny Harries, UKHSA Chief Executive, said: Our latest analysis shows an encouraging early signal that people who contract the Omicron variant may be at a relatively lower risk of hospitalisation than those who contract other variants. What is the stealth omicron, or BA.2, variant? Please take up this offer as soon as you are eligible to protect yourself, your families and your communities. It is also absolutely critical that we all do what we can to reduce transmission in the community so that we have time to administer as many booster doses as possible. The first sequences were submitted from the Philippines, and most samples have been uploaded from Denmark (6,411). News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. Get vaccinated and, for those eligible, come forward for your third or booster dose as appropriate as soon as you are called. BA.2 is found to be able to alarmingly reinfect patients originally infected by Omicron BA.1. Those are pretty similar to what people experience with a cold or other seasonal viruses. But at that point the sub-variant still appeared to account for less than one in 20 cases. Approximately half of PCR tests in the UK are able to detect SGTF. This includes analysing live samples of the new variant in our laboratories to investigate properties such as response to current vaccines. Delta and Omicron Cases are being eclipsed by BA2 Variant rapidly. Our continued genomic surveillance allows us to further investigate variants that are growing within the UK. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published variant technical briefing 24. A total 637 cases of XE a recombinant of Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 have been confirmed in the UK so far. The Omicron BA.2 subvariant is fast becoming the dominant strain of COVID-19, with symptoms similar to previous strains of the virus. A further 16 cases have been identified in Scotland, bringing the total in Scotland to 29. Night sweats Scratchy throat Dry cough Mild muscle aches In data published by the UKHSA on January 14, they found that NHS test and trace data revealed a loss of smell or taste was reported less. How are Covid rules changing across UK schools? Previous variants of concern which no longer meet the criteria will be redesignated. Data continues to show COVID-19 poses a very low health risk to children and infants. Those aged 18 to 39 should wait to be called. This analysis found that the risk of presentation to emergency care or hospital admission with Omicron (testing for symptomatic or asymptomatic infection) was approximately half of that for Delta, while the risk of hospital admission alone with Omicron was approximately one-third of that for Delta. We have now identified cases in the East Midlands, East of England, London and North West. More detail will be available in UKHSAs regular variant technical briefings. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released variant technical briefing 41. 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. Thanks to very high levels of vaccine coverage we already have a robust wall of defence against COVID-19 as new variants emerge. While specific symptoms to BA.2 are not yet available, the NHS lists the main symptoms for Covid-19 as: a high temperature a new, continuous cough a. In the last week, VUI-21OCT-01 accounted for approximately 6% of all Delta cases. Work is underway to identify any links to travel. It is also vital to continue with all the other precautions we have become used to throughout the pandemic keep indoor areas well ventilated, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces, and take a rapid lateral flow (or LFD) test before a situation where you may be at high risk of catching or passing on the virus. If you have symptoms take a PCR test and isolate at home until you receive a negative result. Neither have currently been designated as variants of concern. There is currently no data on the severity of BA.2. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and recommend appropriate public health measures if needed. Please make sure you follow all the available guidance. Earlier COVID-19 variants affected the lung tissue more and had a higher likelihood of causing pneumonia and other severe outcomes. Work is underway to identify any links to travel. 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 . The five most common symptoms of Omicron are: runny nose;. A NEW Covid-19 Omicron sub-variant is spreading across Ireland and is the most infectious strain yet. Current guidance from NHS England is that the main symptoms of Covid continue to be a high temperature, a new continuous cough, a loss or change to your sense. Since then, several sub-variants of Omicron surfaced, including BA.2, BA.3, BA.4, and BA.5. Further studies are underway in the UK and abroad. Here is what we know about it. According to Baric, Omicron is the first SARS-CoV-2 variant to evolve in the context of mounting immunity in the populationthe result of vaccines and prior infection with other forms of the . XBB.1.5 remains at very low prevalence in the UK, so estimates of growth are highly uncertain. Trends in SGTF over and time are however affected by the coverage of laboratories contributing to this surveillance data. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published a new variant technical briefing describing ongoing work on the Omicron variant. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant known as B.1.1.529 as a variant under investigation (VUI). An estimated 78.7% of confirmed cases in England are BA.5 which was first identified in April and was designated as a Variant of Concern on 18 May. Data by variant related to intensive care unit admissions is presented and an analysis into the effect of the recent surge of Omicron cases in care homes is also available in the latest technical briefing. The most common omicron-related symptoms are: Cough. The odds of reporting long COVID symptoms four to eight weeks after a first COVID-19 infection were 21.8% higher after an infection compatible with Omicron BA.2 than Omicron BA.1 among adults who were triple-vaccinated when infected; this was after adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and time since last COVID-19 vaccination. This analysis excludes individuals with confirmed previous COVID-19 infection. There are simple things you can do in your daily life that will help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections and protect those at highest risk. Further information is also available in the latest variant technical briefing. 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. The individuals who have tested positive and their contacts have been asked to self-isolate. 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. And in England, more than 1,000 confirmed cases of BA.2 have been identified, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Of these, 20 were in England, 3 in Scotland and 1 in Wales. People aged 75 and over remain at particular risk of severe disease if they are not up to date with their vaccinations. This paper can be found as a pre-print, and the data is referred to in the latest vaccine surveillance report. While signs remain encouraging on Omicrons severity compared with Delta, the high levels of community transmission continue and may cause pressures on health services. The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 104. Whilst the impact of these variants is uncertain, the variant classification system aims to identify potential risk as early as possible. Of these, XD and XF are recombinants of Delta and Omicron BA.1, while XE is a recombinant of Omicron BA.1 and BA.2. Omicron BA2 symptoms include taste loss. The latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) COVID-19 variant technical briefing, published today, includes updated epidemiological analysis which indicates that Omicron BA.5 has, as expected, become the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant in the UK. According to Boden-Albala said, those symptoms may include the following: Fever Chills Fatigue Cough Body aches Shortness of breath Sore throat Additionally, some people may report upper. Please take up this offer as soon as you are eligible to protect yourself, your families and your communities. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published the latest Variant Technical Briefing. Our data shows that getting the booster vaccine is more effective against this variant than 2 doses alone. UKHSA has also released a variant risk assessment for Omicron BA.4 and BA.5, summarising the emerging epidemiology and laboratory evidence. As set out last week, the effectiveness of all vaccines against symptomatic infection continues to be lower in all periods against Omicron compared to Delta. It is still too early to determine next steps, so please stay cautious this Christmas and get your booster as soon as possible to protect yourself and your loved ones. Read about our approach to external linking. The World Health Organization has been monitoring SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19) since January 2020, during which time the variant Omicron has been identified, which is technically known as BA.1 or B.1.1.529.The WHO is now monitoring a sub-variant of Omicron, known as BA.2, which has been described as "stealth Omicron," because it has genetic mutations that potentially make it .
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