A preliminary assessment did not find evidence of a difference in vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic disease for BA.2 compared to BA.1. If you have symptoms take a PCR test and isolate at home until you receive a negative result. 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. 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. 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. Overall, the original Omicron lineage, BA.1, is dominant in the UK and the proportion of BA.2 cases is currently low. Fourteen people are reported to have died within 28 days of an Omicron diagnosis, ranging in age from 52 to 96 years old. 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 . As we all work to limit the high levels of transmission of this variant over the Christmas period, we are urging people to test regularly, particularly before attending social gatherings. It is projected that if current trends continue unchanged, the UK will exceed one million infections a day by the end of this month. Hospital admissions are increasing, and we cannot risk the NHS being overwhelmed. 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 designation was made on the basis that this sub-lineage has become increasingly common in the UK in recent months, and there is some early evidence that it may have an increased growth rate in the UK compared to Delta. Consider wearing a face covering when in crowded places. They save lives and prevent serious illness. As previously published, data continues to show vaccine effectiveness against hospitalisation for Omicron remains high. 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. An important question is whether BA.2 or BA.3 will become a new dominating "variant of concern". What are the symptoms of BA.2? 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. People aged 75 and over remain at particular risk of severe disease if they are not up to date with their vaccinations. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? The individuals who have tested positive and their contacts are all isolating. Everybody who is contacted or has symptoms should take a PCR test as soon as possible, even if they have received a positive COVID-19 PCR test within the last 90 days. 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 designation V-22JUL-01. For the first time, this data includes analysis on vaccine effectiveness 15+ weeks after the booster dose. There is currently insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about growth advantage or other properties of this variant. UKHSAis carrying out targeted testing at locations where the positive cases were likely to be infectious. Scratchy throat. There can be several reasons for growth advantage, but in the case of BA.4 and BA.5, laboratory data suggests a degree of immune escape which is likely to contribute. This suggests that BA.5 is likely to become the dominant COVID-19 variant in the UK. ; BA.5 sometimes gives rise to more marked symptomssometimes with digestive symptoms . Now more countries, particularly in Asia and Europe, are reporting an increase in cases driven by BA.2. This is not an unusual occurrence and several recombinant SARS-CoV-2 variants have been identified over the course of the pandemic. The individual tested positive after travel to the UK and is linked to travel to Southern Africa. The increasing prevalence of Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 is likely to be a factor in the recent increase in cases seen in the UK and elsewhere, though there is currently no evidence that Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 cause more severe illness than previous variants. We continue to urge everyone who is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster. UKHSA is gathering scientific information as quickly as possible in order to inform the right balance of interventions to prevent transmission and protect lives. But the preliminary assessment found no evidence that vaccines would be any less effective against symptomatic disease for either sub-variant. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? One case is located in Camden, London, and one case is located in Wandsworth, London. Following the first 2 confirmed cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant known as B.1.1.529 on 27 November, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified one further case of COVID-19 with mutations consistent with B.1.1.529 in the UK. Two-thirds with Omicron say they had Covid before. Because of a quirk in how it shows up in test results, we can see the numbers of suspected BA.2 doubled in the week up to 24 January. Studies of contacts show that Omicron is transmitting more effectively than Delta. 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). UKHSAis 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. An ad blocker has likely prevented this video content from loading. Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at UKHSA said: It is clear that the increasing prevalence of Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 are significantly increasing the case numbers we have observed in recent weeks. Experts say BA.2 has extensive mutations and is about 40 percent more infectious than the original Omicron variant. 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 same happened with Omicron, which includes the lineages BA.1, BA.2, BA.3 and B.1.1.529. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. This is consistent with analysis published yesterday by Imperial College London and the University of Edinburgh. It is also absolutely critical that we all do what we can to reduce transmission in the community so that we have time to administer as many booster doses as possible. Although hospitalisations and deaths remain low, cases are still high in some areas and some age groups so its important that we continue to act cautiously as restrictions are lifted. XBB (V-22OCT-02) is a recombinant lineage derived from 2 previous Omicron sublineages. 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.. 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. We should all continue to test regularly with LFDs and take a PCR test if symptoms develop. We have now identified cases in the East Midlands, East of England, London, South East and North West. However, it is not confirmatory as there are a number of other reasons that a sample might exhibit SGTF. Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in the UK. 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. However, UKHSA scientists say there is no room to be complacent. Spector shared a list of symptom prevalence from people who had tested positive for COVID, most of whom were estimated to have caught BA.2, he said. This particular recombinant, XE, has shown a variable growth rate and we cannot yet confirm whether it has a true growth advantage. Earlier COVID-19 variants affected the lung tissue more and had a higher likelihood of causing pneumonia and other severe outcomes. 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. 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. Omicron BA.2 Variant Severity As with previous variants, experts believe vaccines will continue to be highly effective against severe illness, hospitalisation, and death. There is currently no evidence of community transmission within the UK. The original Delta variant remains overwhelmingly dominant in the UK, making up approximately 99.8% of all cases. UKHSA is updating its variant classification system to give a clearer indication of which variants have significant changes compared to the current dominant variant. Further studies are underway in the UK and abroad. Please make sure you follow all the available guidance. What we know is that it is certainly growing as a proportion of overall cases in the UK. As of May 2022, BA.2.12.1 was spreading in the US and two new subvariants of Omicron named BA.4 and BA.5, first detected in January 2022, spread in South Africa. Dont include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. No cases have been identified in the UK. The B.1.1.529variant includes a large number of spike protein mutations as well as mutations in other parts of the viral genome. A preliminary assessment by UKHSA did not find a difference in vaccine effectiveness, although it said there was no data yet available on severity. A second BTN162b2 booster was previously found to be 52% and 72% effective in preventing Omicron BA.1 infection and hospitalization, respectively, in adults 60 years. The study also showed evidence to suggest that the BA.2 sub-variant is better able to evade vaccines. UKHSA has also published analyses related to the original Omicron strain BA.1. BA.2 Symptoms Not That Different From Omicron, Delta. Work from home if you are able to, wear a mask indoors around other people, and ventilate indoor spaces well. Vaccine efficacy analysis continues to show lower effectiveness for symptomatic Omicron disease. UKHSAs most recent variant technical briefing can be found on GOV.UK. UKHSA has also published a breakdown of confirmed Omicron cases and SGTF cases by local authority. In the most recent week of data (specimen dates from 30 November 2021 reported as of 6 December), the number of cases with SGTF has increased to 705. A further 16 cases have been identified in Scotland, bringing the total in Scotland to 29. 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. Experts in Kolkata say that BA.2 symptoms are mostly associated with abdomen and stomach instead of cough or shortness of breath. Approximately half of PCR tests in the UK are able to detect SGTF. The public health advice is the same for all current variants. If you have any symptoms, take a test. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. 2 or Stealth Omicron causes. Please make sure to wear a mask in line with government guidance, including on public transport and in shops, to help break the chains of transmission and slow the spread of this new variant. Thats why its so important that everybody, everywhere, takes simple steps to protect themselves from infection. Please also make sure to follow all Government guidance to reduce the spread of infection. UKHSAis 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. Data by variant related to intensive care unit admissions is presented and an analysis into the effect of the recent surge of Omicron cases in care homes is also available in the latest technical briefing. 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. The BA.2 subvariant of Omicron, or the "stealth" variant, has been outcompeting the previously dominant BA.1 subvariant in several countries. The team at ZOE, a study that tracks symptoms . This new UKHSA data on Omicron is promising while 2 doses of the vaccine arent enough, we know boosters offer significant protection against the variant and early evidence suggests this strain may be less severe than Delta. As with any other coronavirus (COVID-19) variant, the vast majority do not confer any advantage to the virus and die out relatively quickly. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. It was designated a variant of concern (VOC) on Saturday 27 November. Teams nationally and locally are working at pace to identify and trace all close contacts of every Omicron case. Vaccination is critical to help us bolster our defences against this new variant please get your first, second, third or booster jab without delay. A detrimental change in biological properties (changes in transmissibility, severity or immune evasion) compared to the current dominant variant. As of January 10 2022, 53 sequences of the BA.2 sub-lineage of Omicron had been identified in the United Kingdom. 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. They could be strangers (for example people you sit next to on public transport) or people you may have regular contact with (for example friends and work colleagues). The risk assessment also suggests that Omicron displays a reduction in protection offered by having had a previous infection or vaccination. We constantly assess the genetic diversity within the known variants of concern (VOCs) to inform our ongoing public health response to the pandemic. Current guidance from NHS England is that the main symptoms of Covid continue to be a high temperature, a new continuous cough, a loss or change to your sense. By the summer of 2022, the BA.5 variant was the most dominant strain in the US. The technical briefing also includes early analysis of vaccine effectiveness against the Omicron variant compared to Delta. BA.2 has been under close . All age groups are affected, including the 75s and over, who are due a spring booster jab to top up protection. Things you can choose to do are: The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has elevated the classification of the COVID-19 variants Omicron BA.4 and Omicron BA.5 to variants of concern (VOCs) on the basis of observed growth. So far, there have been 717 V-22OCT-01 sequences uploaded from the UK to the international GISAID database. BA.3 shares most of its mutations with BA.1 and BA.2 except for one. Analysis by the UKHSA suggests it could be substantial, although there is a risk of over-estimating growth advantage in the early stages. 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. Top of the list with a prevalence of 80. 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. This is very encouraging. 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). 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. This will include analysing live samples of the new variant in our laboratories to investigate properties such as response to current vaccines. Taste Lost is one of the Omicron BA2 Symptoms. 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. 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. Lower back pain. The latest version raising alarms is an emerging subvariant of Omicron called BA.2. 34 Subsequent studies that were performed in periods when a mix of BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5 viruses circulated have reported low effectiveness of a second booster against . Trends in SGTF over and time are however affected by the coverage of laboratories contributing to this surveillance data. Even if a smaller proportion of these individuals require hospitalisation, these are still large numbers of people requiring hospital care and pressures on the NHS will increase. There is further data showing that effectiveness against symptomatic disease is significantly lower compared to the Delta variant, and wanes more quickly. Dr Meera Chand, Director of Clinical and Emerging Infections, UKHSA, said: Through our genomic surveillance we continue to see evolution of variants in the Omicron family. Read about our approach to external linking. They say its possible that the virus has now changed its pattern and is affecting the stomach. These are some of the symptoms that you should be looking out for: High temperature. UKHSA has also this week published further vaccine effectiveness data against hospitalisation following a booster dose. In this analysis, the risk of hospitalisation is lower for Omicron cases with symptomatic or asymptomatic infection after 2 and 3 doses of vaccine, with an 81% (95% confidence interval 77 to 85%) reduction in the risk of hospitalisation after 3 doses compared to unvaccinated Omicron cases. The BA.2 variant is a sibling of the BA.1, which swept across the country over Christmas. Although there was a rapid increase in SARS-CoV-2 infections in care homes during December 2021 in line with case rises in the community, there has not been an associated increase in hospital admissions. Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, said: We are learning to live with this virus and thanks to our world-leading surveillance system we can rapidly detect and carefully monitor any genetic changes to COVID-19. Getty Images BA.2 was. It is never too late to come forward for your first dose and its vital that everyone comes forward to get boosted now as we head into the new year. Working from home where possible, consistently wearing masks in crowded or enclosed spaces, washing your hands regularly and isolating and getting tested if you feel unwell are also vitally important in reducing the impact of COVID-19 this winter. 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. Recent studies suggest that BA.2 has a. 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. UKHSA has updated its stay at home guidance and non-household contacts guidance to reflect changes to self-isolation requirements for contacts of people who have been identified as a suspected or confirmed case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 104. There is still uncertainty around the significance of the changes to the viral genome, and further analyses will now be undertaken. While growth rates can be overestimated in early analyses of a new variant, the apparent growth advantage is currently substantial. 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.