New omicron mutation found in 53 people in UK

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A new strain of the Omicron variant has been found in 53 people in the UK.

Scientists are studying a substrain of the variant that swept across the country in December.

The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) said on Friday January 21 that a sister variant of BA. 1 type of Omicron, as it is called, has also been found in other European countries.

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This new sub-strain of the variant is currently being investigated after it was discovered in the UK, reports The Mirror.

There is no indication so far that the new BA.2 strain is more severe.

This strain accounted for around half of all Omicron cases in Denmark and early studies from the country suggest there is no increased risk of hospitalization.

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Danish health officials say current vaccines are thought to be effective against the BA.2 strain in fighting serious diseases.

But it’s unclear whether the new strain might be more transmissible.

More data is needed to test this possibility.

Both BA.1 and BA.2 strains are considered Omicron as they share a number of similarities.

However, the BA.2 strain has different S gene mutations than BA.1, which means that when performing a PCR test, BA.2 is positive for the S gene while BA.1 does not. .

Health Secretary Sajid Javid continues to urge people to get vaccinated against Covid-19. (Image: Getty Images)

Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said: “This latest round of analysis demonstrates once again that a booster dose of the vaccine gives you significant protection against Omicron hospitalization.

“Booster doses also increase protection against symptomatic and asymptomatic infections, which will reduce transmission in the population.

“While signs remain encouraging on the severity of Omicron compared to Delta, high levels of community transmission continue and may lead to pressures on health services.

“We will undertake further analysis to investigate the small increase in the number of children admitted to hospital, but currently Covid-19 poses a very low health risk to children and infants.

“Early data shows that young children who are hospitalized have mild illness and are discharged after short hospital stays.

“Getting your booster shot remains the most effective way to protect yourself and others from serious infection and illness. Although prevalence remains high, be sure to wear your mask indoors and spend a lateral flow test before meeting other people. If you develop symptoms, self-isolate immediately and do a PCR test.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said the data is “further proof that vaccines remain our best line of defense against Covid-19”.

He added: “Booster shots protect people from serious infection and disease – so I urge you to play your part in our national mission and boost yourselves now.”

The UKHSA continues to closely monitor data on the BA.2 subline.

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