New Covid strain Pirola hits UK as experts name symptoms to look out for

/ 08/18/2023
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    A new covid variant dubbed 'Pirola' has been found in the UK and experts have warned the British public of the key symptoms to look out for.

    The highly mutated BA.2.86 has also been discovered in a number of other countries too, the UK Health Security Agency has said.

    Despite confirming the existence of a case in the UK, the UKHSA declined to confirm any more details, the Mirror reported.

    READ MORE: New ultra-mutated Covid variant is 'real deal' as experts warn it may have arrived in UK

    Dr Meera Chand, deputy director of the government department confirmed a case has been identified in the UK, although further details were not given.

    Dr Chand said: "We're aware that BA.2.86 has been detected in the UK. UKHSA is assessing the situation and will provide further information in due course."

    It is the number of genetic changes to the new version of the Omicron variant which is the cause for concern – experts believe the new strain could have up to 30 changes in its protein makeup.

    Scientists are on alert as it is believed the mutations could dodge the body's immunity from prior infections or vaccination.

    Only six cases of the strain have thus far been detected worldwide, but top scientists said it's clear it will spread much more widely.

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    Therefore, it is more important than ever to be aware of the symptoms to stay wary of the new variant.

    The key symptoms are what you might expect from Covid, including: high fever, cough, cold, loss of the sense of taste or smell.

    As yet, there is no sign that the Pirola strain is any more harmful than those which have come previously – although it is thought it might be more easily spreadable.

    Typically, viruses become less deadly as they mutate as this gives them a better chance of survival – but it is unknown what the situation is.

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    • Coronavirus

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