Health officials have issued a warning over the latest Coronavirus strain, which comes with a host of unpleasant symptoms. This new variant, which has been detected across Europe and other continents, has symptoms that differ from the flu-like signs of previous strains.
The public is being advised to stay at home if they exhibit symptoms of this new Covid variant, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) is currently tracking six emerging variants.
The new variant, dubbed NB. 1.8.1, was classified as a “SARS-CoV-2 variant under monitoring (VUM)” on 23 May, and is one of six variants presently under WHO surveillance. As of this month, it has spread across multiple continents, with cases identified in the UK and Ireland in Europe, as well as further afield in the US and Australia.
While initial symptoms of Covid typically included a severe cough, sore throat and high fever, NB. 1.8.1 primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract, reports the Express.
Dr Lara Herrero, an associate professor and virology research leader at Griffith University in Australia, explained in an article for The Conversation that this variant appears to be spreading more rapidly than its predecessors. According to Dr Herrero, it is most similar to subvariants of the Omicron lineage.
She said: “The evidence so far suggests NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily and may partially sidestep immunity from prior infections or vaccination. Reports suggest symptoms of NB.1.8.1 should align closely with other Omicron subvariants.”
The WHO has echoed this, noting in its report that the variant has acquired a series of mutations enabling it to spread more easily and potentially evade the antibody protections provided by previous infections.
The organisation elaborated: “Spike mutations at position 445 have been shown to enhance binding affinity to hACE2, which could increase the variant’s transmissibility. Mutations at position 435 shown to reduce the neutralisation potency of class 1 and class 1/4 antibodies, and mutations at position 478 shown to enhance the evasion of Class 1/2 antibodies.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has advised anyone displaying any symptoms to stay indoors, recommending people to “avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible” for 48 hours.
What are the symptoms?
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Heartburn
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
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