While prevalence remains high, make sure to wear your mask in indoor settings and take a lateral flow test before meeting others. 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. 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. Please take up this offer as soon as you are eligible to protect yourself, your families and your communities. BA.2.75.2 as a new variant but singled it out as an . 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. The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 29. It contains epidemiological data and updated analysis of COVID-19 variants currently circulating in the UK. More recent data on Omicron cases is published regularly here. As of 24 January 2022, 1,072 genomically confirmed cases of BA.2 have been identified in England and all assessments remain preliminary whilst case numbers are relatively low. Whilst the impact of these variants is uncertain, the variant classification system aims to identify potential risk as early as possible. 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. A booster dose was associated with a 74% reduced risk of hospitalisation in the first 2 to 4 weeks after vaccination, with the figure dropping to 66% 10 weeks or more after this dose. The original Delta variant remains overwhelmingly dominant in the UK, making up approximately 99.8% of all cases. A thirddose was associated with a 68% (95% confidence interval 52 to 82%) reduced risk of hospitalisation when compared to similar unvaccinated individuals. Congestion. Since then, several sub-variants of Omicron surfaced, including BA.2, BA.3, BA.4, and BA.5. The first sequences were submitted from the Philippines, and most samples have been uploaded from Denmark (6,411). Our advanced sequencing capabilities enable us to find variants and take rapid action to limit onward spread. There is currently no data on the severity of BA.2. March 31, 2022. BA.2 Symptoms Not That Different From Omicron, Delta. 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 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. The proportion of test results displaying SGTF has been very low in recent months but an increase has been observed in the past week. What are the symptoms of BA.2? We have started to see cases where there are no links to travel, suggesting that we have a small amount of community transmission. Of these, 20 were in England, 3 in Scotland and 1 in Wales. This is consistent with analysis published yesterday by Imperial College London and the University of Edinburgh. BA.2, also coined as the "stealth" variant, is a relative of Omicron's original variant, BA.1, which tore through the Australian community over Christmas and the New Year period. "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 . They save lives and prevent serious illness. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published analyses of Omicron sub-lineage BA.2. 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. "We must remain vigilant and take up vaccinations. ROCHESTER, Minn. The World Health Organization designated COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529, named omicron, a "variant of concern" on Nov. 26, 2021, and the first confirmed case in the U.S. was on Dec. 1, 2021. Once again, we urge everyone who is able to get a booster jab to come forward and do so. Runny or congested nose Feeling fatigued Headache New, continuous cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Muscle or body aches New loss of a sense of taste or smell Sore throat Nausea or vomiting Diarrhoea They advise that if you develop one or more of these symptoms you should take a Covid test as soon as possible. The v 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. Based on the CDC's genomic surveillance, the BA.2 or stealth Omicron subvariant is responsible for most new SARS-CoV-2 infections in the U.S. BA.2 is a subvariant of the original SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529), along with BA.1.1 and BA.3. Work is underway to identify any links to travel. It is not clear where BA.2 originated, but it was first detected in the Philippines in November. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released variant technical briefing 50. A total 637 cases of XE a recombinant of Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 have been confirmed in the UK so far. Studies have already shown that this virus travels to different parts of the body, therefore gut-related issues are. While in the UK, the individual was in Westminster, London. Infection rate corrected to one million infections a day. In total, 40 countries have uploaded 8,040 BA.2 sequences to GISAID since 17 November 2021. Vaccination is critical to help us bolster our defences against this new variant please get your first, second, third or booster jab without delay. So far, vaccination means that the rise in cases is not translating to a rise in severe illness and deaths. Two major BA.2 variant symptoms include dizziness and fatigue, as I wrote for the Deseret News. Hospital cases are also rising, but vaccines are still helping to stop many severe. We now know that BA.2 has an increased growth rate which can be seen in all regions in England. Added breakdown of cases by local authority to latest update. The individuals who have tested positive and their contacts are all isolating. Fatigue. 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. It is important that everyone ensures that they are up to date with vaccinations offered as they remain our best form of defence against severe illness. It includes a complete list of studies planned and already under way into the emerging variant. Omicron continues to grow faster than Delta, with an increased risk of transmission, particularly in contacts outside of the household. In England, the infection rate increased in those aged 25 years to 49 years and those aged 70 years and over in the week ending 21 February 2023. The highly transmissible Omicron variant now accounts for half of the world's infections. Those are pretty similar to what people experience with a cold or other seasonal viruses. UKHSAs new analysis examines 3 recombinants, known as XF, XE, and XD. Delta and Omicron Cases are being eclipsed by BA2 Variant rapidly. In the UK, 38 cases of XF have been identified, though none have been seen since mid February. Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at UKHSA, said: This latest set of analysis once again demonstrates that a booster dose of the vaccine provides you with significant protection against hospitalisation from Omicron. The most common omicron-related symptoms are: Cough. Now more countries, particularly in Asia and Europe, are reporting an increase in cases driven by BA.2. UKHSA has also released a variant risk assessment for Omicron BA.4 and BA.5, summarising the emerging epidemiology and laboratory evidence. 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. BQ.1 (V-22OCT-01) is a BA.5 sub-lineage which has been designated on the basis of rapid growth. The analysis included very small numbers of cases as only a few people in the UK currently have this variant, meaning this data should be interpreted with caution until more cases have been studied. We urge these people in particular to get up-to-date. If you develop any symptoms, isolate immediately and get a PCR test. 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. Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor for UKHSA, said: Ongoing variant analysis is an important part of our pandemic response. 2 or Stealth Omicron causes. It is therefore absolutely critical that we all do everything that we can to help break the chains of transmission and slow the spread of this new variant. Currently, the Omicron variant has BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, and B.1.1.529 sub-variants, of which the BA.1 was dominant a few months before, and scientists have recently warned about the BA.2 sub-variant . Please also make sure to follow all Government guidance to reduce the spread of infection. Six cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant known as B.1.1.529 have also been identified in Scotland, with 4 cases in the Lanarkshire area and 2 in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area. 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 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. Since the middle of February, this growth rate has settled at approximately 75% higher than other circulating Omicron lineages in England. 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. Of those with Omicron, 9.5% have had COVID-19 before, which is likely to be a substantial underestimate of the proportion of reinfections, as many prior infections will have been asymptomatic and not picked up by the analysis. We should all continue to test regularly with LFDs [lateral flow devices] and take a PCR [polymerase chain reaction] test if symptoms develop.". XBB (V-22OCT-02) is a recombinant lineage derived from 2 previous Omicron sublineages. The five key Omicron symptoms. 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 first genomes of this variant were uploaded to the international GISAID database on 22 November. 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. 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. One dose of any vaccine was associated with a 35% reduced risk of hospitalisation among symptomatic cases with the Omicron variant, 2 doses with a 67% reduction up to 24 weeks after the seconddose and a 51% reduced risk 25 or more weeks after the seconddose. However, vaccinated people are still less likely to get infected than unvaccinated individuals, and they are also less likely to pass it on. 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 omicron variant of the coronavirus was first detected in late 2021. A runny nose, gastrointestinal. A further 16 cases have been identified in Scotland, bringing the total in Scotland to 29. However, increases in SGTF can give a useful early indication of variant spread. These groups have been prioritised for booster doses since the start of the rollout in September to increase their protection. Where variant information was available, the majority of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions from 24 November 2021 to 19 January 2022 had Delta infections. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. There are also hybrid strains, such as XE, which is a combination of BA.1 and BA.2 By Alex Finnis That contrasts to Denmark, where it has become dominant. Continue to exercise caution. 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. Its 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. Work is underway to identify any links to travel to Southern Africa. 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 are continuing to monitor data on the BA.2 sub-lineage closely. 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. The most commonly-reported symptoms with the original Omicron variant were cough, fatigue, headache, congestion, and runny nose. Vaccination is critical to help us bolster our defences against this new variant please get your first, second or booster jab without delay. While BA.1 and BA.2 are similar, they are 20 mutations apart. 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. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) estimates that if Omicron continues to grow at the present rate, the variantwill become the dominant strain, accounting for more than 50% of all COVID-19 infections in the UK by mid-December. 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). Early data shows that young children who are hospitalised experience mild illness and are discharged after short stays in hospital. The sub-variant of Omicron has been detected in 57 countries now, the WHO says. However, some experts believe that BA.2 doesn't present symptoms different from the original Omicron. Both are variants in the Omicron family. The individuals that have tested positive are not connected to each other and are not linked to the previously confirmed cases. 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. The Omicron variant of Covid-19 includes the lineages BA.1, BA.2, BA.3 and B.1.1.529. Experts in Kolkata say that BA.2 symptoms are mostly associated with abdomen and stomach instead of cough or shortness of breath. 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. The data suggests this risk is significantly reduced following a booster vaccine, so I urge everyone to take up their booster when eligible. Omicron BA2 symptoms include taste loss. This will include analysing live samples of the new variant in our laboratories to investigate properties such as response to current vaccines. New sub-lineages within Delta continue to be identified. BA.2 omicron symptoms According to the CDC, the symptoms of Covid-19, including BA.2, are: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body. Genomes have now been uploaded from South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong but the extent of spread is not yet determined. 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. The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 22. 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 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. 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. Stay at home if you have any respiratory symptoms or a fever and limit contact with others until you are feeling better, particularly if they are likely to be at greater risk if they contract COVID-19. The two most reported symptom of patients infected by the Stealth Omicron variant is -dizziness and fatigue. 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. How are Covid rules changing across UK schools? 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. However, cases of the variant continue to rise at an extraordinary rate already surpassing the record daily number in the pandemic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 99% of viral DNA submitted to the global GISAID database as of 25 January were identified as this sub-variant. The same happened with Omicron, which includes the lineages BA.1, BA.2, BA.3 and B.1.1.529. 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. UKHSA is undertaking further detailed studies. The earliest of these has a specimen date of 19 January 2022. Our continued genomic surveillance allows us to detect them and assess whether they are significant. 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. 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. While growth rates can be overestimated in early analyses of a new variant, the apparent growth advantage is currently substantial. In the age group of 20-50 years, significant severity is not expected. It contains updated analysis on Omicron hospitalisation risk, vaccine efficacy against symptomatic disease from Omicron, and the COVID-19 reinfection rate. There were very limited numbers of BA.2 in this study and no inferences can be made regarding BA.2. This suggests that, as immunity begins to wane, these newly emerging BA.2 variants may fuel future waves of SARS-CoV-2 infection. 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. This new mutation dubbed BA.2.75 is concerning scientists because it appears to spread fast, bypassing the protection offered by COVID-19 vaccines and immunity from previous infection, the Associated Press reported Monday. 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. That's because there could be cross-immunity - an infection with BA.1 could offer some protection against BA.2. 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. 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. The genome of VUI-21OCT-01 does not have many mutations compared to Delta. Our exceptional vaccine rollout means the number of people severely affected by COVID-19 is low, and the UKs innovation and research has discovered life-saving treatments for those most at risk from COVID-19. The updated risk assessment includes indicators for infection severity in both adults and children. Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said: The latest set of analysis is in keeping with the encouraging signs we have already seen. The public health advice is the same for all current variants. UKHSA has also published a breakdown of confirmed Omicron cases and SGTF cases by local authority. COVID-19 has not gone away, so it is also vitally important that people continue to follow the guidance. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published a new variant technical briefing containing an updated Omicron risk assessment, alongside analysis on vaccine efficacy, sub-lineages and symptoms. There are thought to be subtle differences in the symptoms that BA. Scratchy throat. Vaccination is critical to help us bolster our defences against becoming severely ill from this new variant please get your first, second, third or booster jab without delay. In the last week, VUI-21OCT-01 accounted for approximately 6% of all Delta cases. 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. 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. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. 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. No cases have been identified in the UK. Currently there are 18 UK samples in GISAID, out of a global total of 1,086; 639 samples have been uploaded from Singapore, and it is thought that XBB may be a factor in the recent spike in cases there. BA2 Variant is overtaking Delta and Omicron Cases at rapid speed. Taste Lost is one of the Omicron BA2 Symptoms. This analysis shows you are up to 8 times more likely to end up in hospital as a result of COVID-19 if you are unvaccinated. 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. Data and analysis will be released in due course through our regular surveillance reporting. 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 . 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. [92] Reactions [ edit] Vaccine producers [ edit] Trends in SGTF over and time are however affected by the coverage of laboratories contributing to this surveillance data. Runny nose. However, one must note, these are only early stage symptoms. AstraZeneca was the main vaccine used early in the programme in care homes and among those in clinical risk groups. Vaccine efficacy analysis continues to show lower effectiveness for symptomatic Omicron disease. Headache. 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 focussed contact tracing. The individuals who have tested positive and their contacts have been asked to self-isolate. But it is worth noting that Denmark has seen similar trends in terms of hospital admissions and intensive care as the UK has, suggesting BA.2 does not mark a sea-change in severity. Everyone should complete a primary course as soon as possible for most this will be a first and second dose. 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. Cases have been confirmed through whole genome sequencing in all 9 regions of England. People aged 75 and over remain at particular risk of severe disease if they are not up to date with their vaccinations. Analysis by the UKHSA suggests it could be substantial, although there is a risk of over-estimating growth advantage in the early stages. Over 40% of hospital admissions were in London. Hospital admissions are increasing, and we cannot risk the NHS being overwhelmed. Whilst there are insufficient data to quantify either vaccine effectiveness or risk of reinfection in the UK exactly, the observed growth, case distribution and early analyses in both South Africa and the UK are consistent with some loss of immune protection against infection. ; BA.5 sometimes gives rise to more marked symptomssometimes with digestive symptoms . Twoto4 weeks after a booster dose, vaccine effectiveness ranged from around 65 to 75%, dropping to 55 to 70% at 5 to 9 weeks and 40 to 50% from 10+ weeks after the booster. 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. Case rates remain high throughout the UK and we must remain vigilant and take up vaccinations. UKHSA continues to examine all available data relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad. 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. Thats why its so important that everybody, everywhere, takes simple steps to protect themselves from infection. Download the data.xlsx. 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. And in England, more than 1,000 confirmed cases of BA.2 have been identified, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). 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. However, it is not confirmatory as there are a number of other reasons that a sample might exhibit SGTF. This analysis is preliminary and highly uncertain because of the small numbers of Omicron cases currently in hospital, inability to effectively measure all previous infections and the limited spread of Omicron into older age groups. Its critical that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms isolates and gets aPCRtest immediately. 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. As always, the booster vaccine remains the best protection against infection. The technical briefing also includes early analysis of vaccine effectiveness against the Omicron variant compared to Delta. There is evidence that protection against symptomatic disease wanes after the second dose of vaccine, and then improves after the booster. Vaccination is critical to help us bolster our defences against this new variant please get your first, second, third or booster jab without delay. However, UKHSA scientists say there is no room to be complacent. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published the latest variant technical briefing. 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. This assessment is based on analysis of UK data showing increased household transmission risk, increased secondary attack rates (such as the chance of each case infecting another individual) and increased growth rates compared to Delta. As is routine for any new variants under investigation,UKHSAis carrying out laboratory and epidemiological investigations to better understand the characteristics of this variant. Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive ofUKHSA, said: We are continuing our efforts to understand the effect of this variant on transmissibility, severe disease, mortality, antibody response and vaccine efficacy.