One case is located in Camden, London, and one case is located in Wandsworth, London. The most important thing everyone can do now is to get any vaccine dose that you are eligible for it is by far the most effective action you can take to protect yourself, your families and your communities. 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. In the age group of 20-50 years, significant severity is not expected. Studies of contacts show that Omicron is transmitting more effectively than Delta. 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. 2 or Stealth Omicron causes. Thats why its so important that everybody, everywhere, takes simple steps to protect themselves from infection. UKHSA is monitoring the situation closely, in partnership with scientific and public health organisations across the world. However, vaccinated people are still less likely to get infected than unvaccinated individuals, and they are also less likely to pass it on. BA.2 Symptoms Not That Different From Omicron, Delta. Many people who have Omicron say it feels like a common cold, and here are the 8 early warning signs you need to look out for. As is routine for any new variants under investigation,UKHSAis carrying out laboratory and epidemiological investigations to better understand the characteristics of this variant. Omicron has branched into three lineages, explains Thomas Russo, M.D., professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York: BA.1, BA.2, and BA.3. 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. A further 3 cases have been identified in Scotland, bringing the total to 13. None of these cases are known to have been hospitalised or died. 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. 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. The individuals that have tested positive and their contacts are all isolating. The population rate of people becoming infected with Omicron after having previously contracted COVID-19 has increased sharply. They also say that Omicron symptoms are typically mild, and herd immunity is at . It is therefore vital that people continue to exercise caution in order to limit the transmission of the virus. Omicron BA2 symptoms include taste loss. There is further data showing that effectiveness against symptomatic disease is significantly lower compared to the Delta variant, and wanes more quickly. But the preliminary assessment found no evidence that vaccines would be any less effective against symptomatic disease for either sub-variant. Data for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is not included in the UKHSA Technical Briefing. We have now identified cases in the East Midlands, East of England, London, South East and North West. There are indications of a small rise in children admitted to hospital, but these early signals need further investigations before we can draw any conclusions about whether Omicron causes more severe illness in children. 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. Evidence continues to show that Omicron is transmitting more rapidly than the dominant Delta variant. Updated analysisshows theadditional incremental benefit from each vaccine exposureincluding for boosters, even in those who have had prior infection. Recent studies suggest that BA.2 has a. SGTF is not a 100% accurate test for Omicron and results are regularly evaluated against sequencing to ensure they are interpreted correctly. 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. Francois Balloux, Professor of Computational Systems Biology and director of the UCL Genetics Institute, said that BA.1 and BA.2 "can be considered as two epidemiologically largely equivalent sub-lineages of Omicron". News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. BA.2 has been under close . Dr Meera Chand, UKHSA Director of Clinical an Emerging Infection, said: We continue to monitor the emergence of new variants and give them variant designations if they are sufficiently distinct to warrant separate epidemiological and laboratory assessment. 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. BA.1 accounts for most of the cases. 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. Work is underway to identify any links to travel to Southern Africa. A preliminary assessment by UKHSA did not find a difference in vaccine effectiveness, although it said there was no data yet available on severity. It remains vital that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms isolates and gets aPCRtest immediately. 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. The individuals who have tested positive and their contacts have been asked to self-isolate. The individuals that have tested positive and their contacts are all isolating. "We must remain vigilant and take up vaccinations. Continue to exercise caution. Where variant information was available, the majority of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions from 24 November 2021 to 19 January 2022 had Delta infections. The two most reported symptom of patients infected by the Stealth Omicron variant is -dizziness and fatigue. 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. As part of UKHSAs routine genomic surveillance, approximately 15 to 20% of all positive PCR tests are also sent for sequencing. The UK has been hard-hit by a further spike in Covid-19 cases in recent weeks, with infections being driven by a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant known as BA.2 or "Stealth Omicron". 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. It includes a complete list of studies planned and already under way into the emerging variant. A further case has been identified in Scotland, bringing the total to 10. 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. 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. An individual with Omicron is estimated to be between 31 and 45% less likely to attend A&E compared to Delta, and 50 to 70% less likely to be admitted to hospital. 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. Studies in the UK reveal (where stealth Omicron is already spreading at a high rate) that people infected with the sub-variant show gut-related . Getting your booster jab remains the most effective way of protecting yourself and others from infection and severe disease. A number of Omicron variants are currently circulating in England, many of which have acquired mutations which may produce a degree of immune escape. Neither have currently been designated as variants of concern. The risk assessment also suggests that Omicron displays a reduction in protection offered by having had a previous infection or vaccination. BA.2 variant symptoms: Spokane Regional Health District Health Officer Francisco Velazquez told KREM 2 News that the BA.2 variant of the omicron variant has some unique symptoms, too. UKHSA scientists are urging anyone who has not had all the vaccines they are eligible for to make sure that they get them as soon as possible. The BA.2 subvariant of the COVID-19 virus is now the dominant coronavirus strain in the world, and while health officials are saying the subvariant acts like the original omicron version of the . Both are variants in the Omicron family. In the UK, 38 cases of XF have been identified, though none have been seen since mid February. Thanks to the expertise of scientists at UKHSA and partner organisations, were able to respond quickly to new variations of the virus. Download the data.xlsx. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. There is now high confidence that the Omicron variant causes low severity of disease in adults. We should all continue to test regularly with LFDs [lateral flow devices] and take a PCR [polymerase chain reaction] test if symptoms develop.". So far, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether BA.2 causes more severe illness than Omicron BA.1, but data is limited and UKHSA continues to investigate. It is one for the scientists to watch, rather than for the public to be alarmed about at this stage. BA.2 is found to be able to alarmingly reinfect patients originally infected by Omicron BA.1. Booster doses also increase the protection against symptomatic and asymptomatic infection which will reduce transmission in the population. 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. 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. 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. Data continues to show COVID-19 poses a very low health risk to children and infants. While signs remain encouraging on Omicrons severity compared with Delta, the high levels of community transmission continue and may cause pressures on health services. 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. The breakdown of cases by local authority is: The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified 9 further cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) with mutations consistent with B.1.1.529 in England, in addition to the previous 13 confirmed cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant known as B.1.1.529. Any variants showing evidence of spread are rapidly assessed. Working alongside Cambridge University MRC Biostatistics unit, UKHSA analysed 528,176 Omicron cases and 573,012 Delta cases between 22 November and 26 December to assess the risk of hospitalisation in England after testing positive for Omicron. Genomes have now been uploaded from South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong but the extent of spread is not yet determined. The original Delta variant remains overwhelmingly dominant in the UK, making up approximately 99.8% of all cases. This is more promising data which reinforces just how important vaccines are. We will continue to closely analyse all available biological, epidemiological and genomic evidence for any SARS-CoV-2 variant in the UK or internationally. 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. UKHSAis carrying out targeted testing at locations where the positive cases were likely to be infectious. However, cases of the variant continue to rise at an extraordinary rate already surpassing the record daily number in the pandemic. It has since swept the globe, eventually vanquishing other variants including delta. So far there is not enough evidence to draw conclusions about transmissibility, severity or vaccine effectiveness. 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. Omicron continues to grow faster than Delta, with an increased risk of transmission, particularly in contacts outside of the household. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published the latest variant technical briefing. Please wear face coverings in line with government guidance, let in fresh air when mixing indoors and wash your hands regularly. Infection rate corrected to one million infections a day. 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). Omicron soon began branching off into a number of subvariants: BA.2 took off in the spring, and BA.5 came to dominate towards the end of the summer. 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. 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. Approximately half of PCR tests in the UK are able to detect SGTF. The vaccination status was unknown for 6 people, while 8 had received a single dose. 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. This includes analysing live samples of the new variant in our laboratories to investigate properties such as response to current vaccines. Please take up this offer as soon as you are eligible to protect yourself, your families and your communities. Of those patients admitted to hospital,17had received a booster vaccine, 74 people had 2 doses and 27 people were not vaccinated. Fourteen people are reported to have died within 28 days of an Omicron diagnosis, ranging in age from 52 to 96 years old. 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. They say its possible that the virus has now changed its pattern and is affecting the stomach. Early data shows that young children who are hospitalised experience mild illness and are discharged after short stays in hospital. The Delta variant sub-lineage known as Delta AY.4.2 was designated a variant under investigation (VUI) by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on 20 October 2021 and has been given the official name VUI-21OCT-01. Anyone who is contacted because of a link to a probable or possible Omicron case will be asked to take a PCR test, even if they have received a positive COVID-19PCRtestwithin the last 90 days. Nine cases have also been identified in Scotland, with 5 cases in the Lanarkshire area and 4 in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area. Here is what we know about it. UKHSAs most recent variant technical briefing can be found on GOV.UK. In the last week, VUI-21OCT-01 accounted for approximately 6% of all Delta cases. However, one must note, these are only early stage symptoms. As with previous variants, experts believe vaccines will continue to be highly effective against severe illness, hospitalisation, and death. Please come forward to receive your booster as soon as possible. UKHSA is updating its variant classification system to give a clearer indication of which variants have significant changes compared to the current dominant variant. 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. 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. Early data shows that young children who are hospitalised experience mild illness and are discharged after short stays in hospital. UKHSAs new analysis examines 3 recombinants, known as XF, XE, and XD. This will include analysing live samples of the new variant in our laboratories to investigate properties such as response to current vaccines. It is the best defence we have against this highly transmissible new variant. There are differences in the populations that have received different vaccines. 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. 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. 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