Covid 4th wave: New BA.2 variant can impact stomach and intestine, say 2 or Stealth Omicron causes. We continue to urge everyone who is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster. 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. It has been designated a "variant under investigation" by British health authorities, meaning they are keeping a close watch on it, but are not overly concerned by it. There is currently no evidence of community transmission within the UK. So far there is not enough evidence to draw conclusions about transmissibility, severity or vaccine effectiveness. As previously published, data continues to show vaccine effectiveness against hospitalisation for Omicron remains high. UKHSA is carrying out targeted testing at locations where the positive cases were likely to be infectious. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. Following the change in Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advice yesterday, a booster dose for everyone over 18 years is now recommended at a minimum of 3 months from your last primary course jab. UKHSA analysis shows that the risk of hospital admission for an identified case with Omicron is reduced compared to a case of Delta. BA.2 continues to demonstrate a substantial growth advantage. If you develop any symptoms, isolate immediately and get a PCR test. Runny nose. Covid Omicron symptoms: new variant BQ.1.1, duration, evolution 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. 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. UKHSA are continuing to monitor data on the BA.2 sub-lineage closely. Earlier COVID-19 variants affected the lung tissue more and had a higher likelihood of causing pneumonia and other severe outcomes. Both are variants in the Omicron family. While growth rates can be overestimated in early analyses of a new variant, the apparent growth advantage is currently substantial. More investigation is required to fully determine the extent of these mutations impact. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published analyses of Omicron sub-lineage BA.2. 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. This analysis excludes individuals with confirmed previous COVID-19 infection. 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. An ad blocker has likely prevented this video content from loading. Everyone over 18 is now able to walk into a vaccine centre, so do not hesitate to get yours. While there is a suggestion that this wanes slightly after 15 weeks, protection in this age group remains high at over 85%. While in the UK, the individual was in Westminster, London. Protection against hospitalisation from vaccines is good against the Omicron variant. 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 five key Omicron symptoms. . UKHSA is monitoring the situation closely, in partnership with scientific and public health organisations across the world. Lower back pain. BA.2, also known as "stealth omicron," is considered a subvariant of omicron. There will be no other categorisation of variants, including no variant under investigation (VUI) category. There are small numbers of cases in the UK and this designation is intended to allow investigation into the specific properties of this variant. Hospital admissions are increasing, and we cannot risk the NHS being overwhelmed. [92] Reactions [ edit] Vaccine producers [ edit] UKHSA is carrying out targeted testing at locations where the positive cases were likely to be infectious. We continue to monitor all recombinants closely, routinely through our world-leading genomic surveillance and sequencing capability. 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 The assessment suggests that Omicron is displaying a significant growth advantage over Delta, meaning that it is likely to outcompete Delta in the UK and become the dominant variant. It includes a complete list of studies planned and already under way into the emerging 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. Its critical that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms isolates and gets aPCRtest immediately. 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. We have started to see cases where there are no links to travel, suggesting that we have a small amount of community transmission. Previous updates were published by Public Health England. UKHSA encourage everyone to continue to follow the most up-to date guidance. None of these cases are known to have been hospitalised or died. 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. Omicron BA.2: The 'stealth' variant could cause more 'severe' disease As the coronavirus continues to evolve, a new highly contagious Omicron variant is appearing in India and other nations, including the United States, experts say.. What we know is that it is certainly growing as a proportion of overall cases in the UK. The study also showed evidence to suggest that the BA.2 sub-variant is better able to evade vaccines. XBB (V-22OCT-02) is a recombinant lineage derived from 2 previous Omicron sublineages. 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. Initial data suggests that LFDs are as likely to detect Omicron as other variants including Delta, which has been the dominant variant in the UK from May to December 2021. SGTF is not a 100% accurate test for Omicron and results are regularly evaluated against sequencing to ensure they are interpreted correctly. So far, vaccination means that the rise in cases is not translating to a rise in severe illness and deaths. 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. The individuals who have tested positive and their contacts have been asked to self-isolate. We now know that BA.2 has an increased growth rate which can be seen in all regions in England. 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). 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. At this point it is not possible to determine where the sublineage may have originated. Two variants, CH.1.1 and XBB.1.5, appear to have a growth advantage in the UK. "It's important to know and recognize all of the. Booster doses also increase the protection against symptomatic and asymptomatic infection which will reduce transmission in the population. Check benefits and financial support you can get, Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme, National flu and COVID-19 surveillance report, higher risk of becoming seriously ill from respiratory infections, including COVID-19, this data should be interpreted with caution, This assessment is based on analysis of UK data, data on Omicron cases is published regularly here, Six cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant known as B.1.1.529, Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern: variant risk assessments, Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 variants: technical briefings, Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government, let fresh air in if meeting others indoors, wear a face covering or a face mask, particularly if you are in crowded and enclosed spaces. The UKHSAs COVID-19 variant technical briefing 43, published today, includes epidemiological analysis that shows that Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 now make up more than half of new COVID-19 cases in England, accounting for approximately 22% and 39% of cases, respectively. These are potentially biologically significant mutations which may change the behaviour of the virus with regards to vaccines, treatments and transmissibility. Vaccination remains our best defence against future COVID-19 waves, so it is still as important as ever that people come take up all the doses for which they are eligible as soon as possible. Thats why its critical that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms isolates and gets a PCR test immediately.. Vaccination is critical to help us bolster our defences against this new variant so please get your first, second, third or booster jab as soon as you are eligible to protect yourself, your families and your communities. What Are the Symptoms of the COVID BA. 2 Variant? Your Questions It is already the dominant variant in several states and likely drove the country's recent third wave of infections. The five most common symptoms of Omicron are: runny nose;. 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 Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) said the BA.2 sub-lineage was already prevalent in samples it received at the end of January. 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). The best way that you can protect yourself is to come forward for your first 2 doses of vaccine, or your booster jab and do everything you can to stop onward transmission of the infection. The proportion of test results displaying SGTF has been very low in recent months but an increase has been observed in the past week. 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. New Omicron BA.2 variant symptoms - What we know so far - Yahoo Life UK Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said: Todays new data shows how important booster jabs are to protect us against this variant. BA.2 attacking abdomen instead of lungs. Face coverings in crowded indoor spaces and hand washing will help to reduce transmission of infection and are especially important if you have any respiratory symptoms. The Omicron BA.2 subvariant is fast becoming the dominant strain of COVID-19, with symptoms similar to previous strains of the virus. It contains epidemiological data and updated analysis of COVID-19 variants currently circulating in the UK. UKHSAis carrying out targeted testing at locations where the positive cases were likely to be infectious. If you have any symptoms, take a test. The rapid spread of Omicron BA.2: What studies say - Medical News Today Top of the list with a prevalence of 80. 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. 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. And in England, more than 1,000 confirmed cases of BA.2 have been identified, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). It showed that the AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines provided much lower levels of protection against symptomatic infection compared to the protection that they provide against Delta. Covid: Rise in UK infections driven by BA.2 Omicron variant What Is Your Risk of Getting the Omicron BA.2 Subvariant? - Healthline The risk assessment conducted by UKHSA together with academic partners found that CH.1.1 and XBB.1.5 are currently the variants most likely to take over from BQ.1 as the next dominant variant in the UK, unless further novel variants arise. Updated analysisshows theadditional incremental benefit from each vaccine exposureincluding for boosters, even in those who have had prior infection. UKHSAs most recent variant technical briefing can be found on GOV.UK. For example, there are still a small number of cases of other variants, such as Alpha, in the UK which would also result in S-gene dropout or there is a lower amount of virus present in the sample where S-gene dropout cannot be confirmed. Cases have been confirmed through whole genome sequencing in all 9 regions of England. Please take up this offer as soon as you are invited to protect yourself, your families and your communities. Work is underway to identify any links to travel. Thanks to the expertise of scientists at UKHSA and partner organisations, were able to respond quickly to new variations of the virus. 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. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified 75 further cases of COVID-19 with mutations consistent with B.1.1.529 in England, in addition to the previous 29 confirmed cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant known as B.1.1.529. There will be a coprimary endpoint : Neutralizing antibody titers against the SARS-CoV-2 variant of most prominent public health interest according to pandemic evolution (among D614G, B.1.351, Omicron sub-variants BA.4-5, BQ1.1 and XBB or another recent variant) and against one of the variant targeted by the vaccines. However, a small change may be enough to cause a difference in the virus properties in some circumstances. For some more vulnerable a third dose is available. 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%). New Covid Omicron BA.2 variant - Two unusual symptoms to watch for Studies have already shown that this virus travels to different parts of the body, therefore gut-related issues are. Early data shows that young children who are hospitalised experience mild illness and are discharged after short stays in hospital. BA.3 shares most of its mutations with BA.1 and BA.2 except for one. 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. Everyone should complete a primary course as soon as possible for most this will be a first and second dose. 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. As I previously reported, omicron subvariants have a shorter incubation period, which is why the symptoms may appear earlier. Vaccination is critical to help us bolster our defences against this new variant please get your first, second or booster jab without delay. I urge you to come forward as soon as youre eligible to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe. However, with the spread of BA.4 and BA.5, that symptom seems to have returned, some doctors note. Neither have been designated as variants of concern by UKHSA. As with any other coronavirus (COVID-19) variant, the vast majority do not confer any advantage to the virus and die out relatively quickly. Dr Chand said: "So far, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether BA.2 causes more severe illness than Omicron BA.1. 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. Now more countries, particularly in Asia and Europe, are reporting an increase in cases driven by BA.2. 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. It is critical that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms isolates and gets a PCR test immediately. Genome sequencing among the states is not always fair. pic.twitter.com/ESQupxUet4. This suggests that, as immunity begins to wane, these newly emerging BA.2 variants may fuel future waves of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Overall, the original Omicron lineage, BA.1, is dominant in the UK and the proportion of BA.2 cases is currently low. 1. 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. Therefore, although early suggestions are that individuals may be less likely to require hospitalisation, many more people are likely to become infected. As is routine for any new variants under investigation, UKHSAis carrying out laboratory and epidemiological investigations to better understand the properties of this variant. This paper can be found as a pre-print, and the data is referred to in the latest vaccine surveillance report. BA.2 Symptoms Not That Different From Omicron, Delta. UKHSAs latest analysis suggests that Omicron BA.5 is growing 35.1% faster than Omicron BA.2, while Omicron BA.4 is growing approximately 19.1% faster. Data on this wont be available for several weeks. 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. The individual tested positive after travel to the UK and is linked to travel to Southern Africa. Coronavirus: There's a third variant of Omicron 'BA.3'; all about the Vaccination is critical to help us bolster our defences against this new variant please get your first, second, third or booster jab without delay. According to Denmark's Statens Serum Institut (SSI), BA.2 infections rose to account for about half of the country's reported Covid cases in January. The first sequences were submitted from the Philippines, and most samples have been uploaded from Denmark (6,411). Please make sure you follow all the available guidance. While signs remain encouraging on Omicrons severity compared with Delta, the high levels of community transmission continue and may cause pressures on health services. Download the data.xlsx. The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 104. Cases are currently very high in the UK, and even a relatively low proportion requiring hospitalisation could result in a significant number of people becoming seriously ill. 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 . 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. The areas with the largest number of confirmed cases are London (146) and the South East (97). Dr Meera Chand, COVID-19 Incident Director at UKHSA, said: It is the nature of viruses to evolve and mutate, so its to be expected that we will continue to see new variants emerge as the pandemic goes on. After 2 doses, vaccine effectiveness was 9% and 13% respectively for BA.1 and BA.2, after 25+ weeks. Covid BA.2 Omicron variant: The key symptoms to look out for BA.2 Omicron Subvariant Can Damage Your Lungs, Cause - TheHealthSite 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. However, cases of the variant continue to rise at an extraordinary rate already surpassing the record daily number in the pandemic. However, some experts believe that BA.2 doesn't present symptoms different from the original Omicron. People aged 75 and over remain at particular risk of severe disease if they are not up to date with their vaccinations. Congestion. Omicron BA.5 variant | COVID-19 | UC Davis Health The BA.2 variant is a sibling of the BA.1, which swept across the country over Christmas. The following are the symptoms of this subvariant: The most common symptom is a sore throat that causes dryness, itching, and pain in the throat Low-grade fever Runny nose Sneezing Mild to moderate fatigue Headache 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). This includes analysing live samples of the new variant in our laboratories to investigate properties such as response to current vaccines. #India is another country where #SARS_CoV_2 BA.2 is rapidly replacing #Delta & #Omicron BA.1. The guidance on vaccination is changing to help all of us bolster our defences in the face of this new variant. However, it is not confirmatory as there are a number of other reasons that a sample might exhibit SGTF. The pace of sharing sequences by India is very slow, median days from collection to deposition is 69 days according to GISAID. We have now identified cases in the East Midlands, East of England, London and North West. The full document and underlying data is available on GOV.UK. All age groups are affected, including the 75s and over, who are due a spring booster jab to top up protection. There is still uncertainty around the significance of the changes to the viral genome, and further analyses will now be undertaken. Covid BA.2 Omicron variant: The key symptoms to look out for UKHSA has also published a breakdown of confirmed Omicron cases and SGTF cases by local authority. Well be undertaking further analysis to investigate the small rise in the number of children admitted to hospital but currently coronavirus (COVID-19) poses a very low health risk to children and infants. Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor for UKHSA, said: Ongoing variant analysis is an important part of our pandemic response. Work is underway to identify any links to travel to Southern Africa. 8 Research published in April 2022 in The Lancet also found. Omicron BA2 symptoms include taste loss. Coronavirus (COVID-19) latest insights: Infections 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. The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 5. Until the week beginning 23 November 2021, the weekly count of cases with SGTF was routinely less than 150, making up less than 0.1% of all cases. The Omicron Variant of COVID-19 - WebMD Following the change in JCVI advice today, 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. Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor, UKHSA said: Recombinant variants are not an unusual occurrence, particularly when there are several variants in circulation, and several have been identified over the course of the pandemic to date.