Covid variant Pirola now 'in most UK regions'
The highly-mutated Covid variant Pirola has now spread to «most regions in the UK» with experts anticipatinga further surge in infections as the country heads into autumn.
UK's Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) said that the strain has been spotted in most parts of the UK. “The BA.2.86 continues to transmit across the UK, with isolated cases being detected in various regions,” a spokesperson for the agency said.
UKHSA Chief Medical Advisor Susan Hopkins said, “While this is still very early data and more research is needed before we can be certain, it is encouraging to see an initial indication that BA.2.86 demonstrates similar levels of antibody escape compared to other variants circulating in the UK.
Hopkins further said that there was no evidence to suggest that Pirola strain can make people seriously ill.
«The data is too limited, but there is so far no evidence to suggest that the strain is more likely to make people seriously ill than other Omicron variants in circulation.
She also urged people to take a booster dose for protection against the new variant.
“The autumn vaccination programme started this month, and this new data shows once again how important it is that the most vulnerable among us are fully vaccinated in order to receive the greatest possible protection.
I urge everyone eligible to come forward for their next dose as soon as they are called,” Hopkins said.
A multi-mutated and highly immune system evasive strain, Pirola variant is fast becoming the dominant strain in the UK, with positive infections doubling almost every few days. Due to over 30 different mutations of the BA.2.86, experts are finding it hard to analyse the strain properly.
