The five most common symptoms of Omicron are: runny nose;. It is the best defence we have against this highly transmissible new variant. These groups have been prioritised for booster doses since the start of the rollout in September to increase their protection. Those are pretty similar to what people experience with a cold or other seasonal viruses. 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". While BA.2 appears to be more transmissible than previous variants, there is no data yet to suggest that it is any more severe. 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. If the growth rate and doubling time continue at the rate we have seen in the last 2 weeks, we expect to see at least 50% of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases to be caused by Omicron variant in the next 2 to 4 weeks. Work is underway to identify any links to travel to Southern Africa. Everyone should complete a primary course as soon as possible for most this will be a first and second dose. A major ailment is not to be expected for the age group 20-50 years. Our continued genomic surveillance allows us to detect them and assess whether they are significant. The early observations for 2 doses of AstraZeneca are particularly likely to be unreliable as they are based on small numbers and are likely to reflect an older population and a population with more co-morbidities than those given the Pfizer vaccine. Studies have already shown that this virus travels to different parts of the body, therefore gut-related issues are. UKHSAs latest National flu and COVID-19 surveillance report indicates that the increase in COVID-19 case rates and hospitalisations continues to show signs of slowing. The individuals who have tested positive and their contacts have been asked to self-isolate. This analysis excludes individuals with confirmed previous COVID-19 infection. Following the change in JCVI advice earlier this week, 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. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. Currently, approximately half of all tests conducted in the UK are able to detect SGTF. Studies have also shown that Omicron infects and multiplies in the upper airways 70 times faster than the previous Delta variant. Previous updates were published by Public Health England. It is vital that everyone over the age of 40 who is eligible for a booster jab comes forward as soon as possible to get increased protection against this new variant. More recent data on Omicron cases is published regularly here. 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. 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. Hospital admissions are increasing, and we cannot risk the NHS being overwhelmed. The first genomes of this variant were uploaded to the international GISAID database on 22 November. The BA.2 subvariant of Omicron, or the "stealth" variant, has been outcompeting the previously dominant BA.1 subvariant in several countries. Its not too late to catch up if youve missed boosters, or even first doses so please take your recommended vaccines. One of the most common symptoms of the Omicron subvariant BA.2 is nausea. This is very encouraging. 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. An important question is whether BA.2 or BA.3 will become a new dominating "variant of concern". However, vaccinated people are still less likely to get infected than unvaccinated individuals, and they are also less likely to pass it on. Analysis from routine contact tracing data indicates that transmission is likely to be higher among contacts of BA.2 cases in households (13.4%) than those for contacts of other Omicron cases(10.3%) in the period 27 December 2021 to 11 January 2022. Experts in Kolkata say that BA.2 symptoms are mostly associated with abdomen and stomach instead of cough or shortness of breath. In total, 40 countries have uploaded 8,040 BA.2 sequences to GISAID since 17 November 2021. A thirddose was associated with a 68% (95% confidence interval 52 to 82%) reduced risk of hospitalisation when compared to similar unvaccinated individuals. Among those who had received 2 doses of Pfizer or Moderna, effectiveness dropped from around 65 to 70% down to around 10% by 20 weeks after the seconddose. The variant technical briefing also includes updated analysis on Omicron BA.2, currently the dominant variant in the UK. 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 genome of VUI-21OCT-01 does not have many mutations compared to Delta. 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. 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. There are differences in the populations that have received different vaccines. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. The BA.2 subvariant has been referred to as stealth Omicron because it contains genetic mutations that can make it harder to distinguish from the . BA.2 is believed to be far more contagious than the earlier Omicron strain, and was blamed for a fresh surge in Denmark. 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. 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. SGTF is not a 100% accurate test for Omicron and results are regularly evaluated against sequencing to ensure they are interpreted correctly. There were very limited numbers of BA.2 in this study and no inferences can be made regarding BA.2. Thats why its critical that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms isolates and gets aPCRtest immediately. 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. A runny nose, gastrointestinal. Xi Jinping is unveiling a new deputy - why it matters, Bakhmut attacks still being repelled, says Ukraine, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. Delta and Omicron Cases are being eclipsed by BA2 Variant rapidly. You have accepted additional cookies. As of 30 November 2021, there are 22 confirmed cases of Omicron (B.1.1.529), identified through sequencing or genotyping in England. 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. Work from home if you are able to, wear a mask indoors around other people, and ventilate indoor spaces well. BA.2 attacking abdomen instead of lungs. These people are spread around the country and are a mix of age ranges between 18 to 85 years the majority had received 2 doses of vaccination. Please also make sure to follow all Government guidance to reduce the spread of infection. Early data shows that young children who are hospitalised experience mild illness and are discharged after short stays in hospital. We are working as fast as possible to gather more evidence about any impact the new variant may have on severity of disease or vaccine effectiveness. 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. Whilst the impact of these variants is uncertain, the variant classification system aims to identify potential risk as early as possible. Top of the list with a prevalence of 80. A preliminary assessment by UKHSA did not find a difference in vaccine effectiveness, although it said there was no data yet available on severity. The Omicron BA.2 subvariant is fast becoming the dominant strain of COVID-19, with symptoms similar to previous strains of the virus. Please take up this offer as soon as you are eligible to protect yourself, your families and your communities. However, UKHSA scientists say there is no room to be complacent. Neither have been designated as variants of concern by UKHSA. BA.2, also known as "stealth omicron," is considered a subvariant of omicron. Where individuals are identified as being a possible or probable case, their close contacts will be contacted and advised to isolate for 10 days and to take a test. A further 3 cases have been identified in Scotland, bringing the total to 13. 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. This analysis is not an assessment of hospital severity, which will take further time to assess. As we learn to live safely with COVID-19, there are actions we can all take to help reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 and passing it on to others. However, some experts believe that BA.2 doesn't present symptoms different from the original Omicron. A BA2 variant's symptoms are similar to those of Omicron. Everyone over 18 is now able to walk into a vaccine centre, so do not hesitate to get yours. The five key Omicron symptoms. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? 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 Omicron variant sub-lineage known as BA.2 has been designated a variant under investigation ( VUI-22JAN-01) by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Thanks to the expertise of scientists at UKHSA and partner organisations, were able to respond quickly to new variations of the virus. 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. Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor for UKHSA, said: Ongoing variant analysis is an important part of our pandemic response. 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. Where individualsare suspected or confirmed to have theOmicron variantas the result of testing, their close contacts will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace, required to self-isolate and asked to take aPCRtest,regardless of whether they have been vaccinated. While specific symptoms to BA.2 are not yet available, the NHS lists the main symptoms for Covid-19 as: a high temperature a new, continuous cough a. 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. Based on the reports from doctors treating the Covid variant and patients battling. 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. Currently, no experimental data has been reported about BA.2 and BA.3. The risk of catching or passing on COVID-19 is greatest when someone who is infected is physically close to, or sharing an enclosed or poorly ventilated space with, other people. 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. Until we have this evidence, we must exercise the highest level of caution in drawing conclusions about any significant risks to peoples health. XBB.1.5 remains at very low prevalence in the UK, so estimates of growth are highly uncertain. We are particularly grateful to health protection specialists and the government of South Africa for early sharing of local information on the omicron variant in an exemplary way to support global health security. Vaccination is critical to help us bolster our defences against this new variant please get your first, second or booster jab without delay. As of 18 July 2022, there were 24 cases of BA.2.75 in the UK. In its early days, the variant caused an alarming spike in COVID-19 cases in South Africathey went from 300 a day in mid-November 2021 to 3,000 a day at the end of that month. What are the symptoms of BA.2? Download the data.xlsx. 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. SUMMARY : The basics of the Omicron sub-variant, the BA.5, which is currently the majority in France: BA.5 is more contagious than BA.2 (January wave), which was itself more contagious than BA.1 and even more than Delta (variant 2021). For example, there are still a small number of cases of other variants, such as Alpha, in the UK which would also result in S-gene dropout or there is a lower amount of virus present in the sample where S-gene dropout cannot be confirmed. 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. 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. With the original version of the omicron variant, which swept across the U.S. at a dizzying speed last winter, the loss of taste and smell was not as common as with the earlier alpha and delta variants. 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. The v One study has suggested that it may be difficult to identify this variant . UKHSA, in partnership with scientific bodies across the globe, is constantly monitoring the status of SARS-CoV-2 variants as they emerge and develop worldwide. Data and analysis will be released in due course through our regular surveillance reporting. The individuals that have tested positive are not connected to each other and are not linked to the previously confirmed cases. UKHSA has also published analyses related to the original Omicron strain BA.1. Thats why its critical that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms isolates and gets a PCR test immediately. So far there is not enough evidence to draw conclusions about transmissibility, severity or vaccine effectiveness. The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 22. Data continues to show COVID-19 poses a very low health risk to children and infants. 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). The odds of reporting long COVID symptoms four to eight weeks after a first COVID-19 infection were 21.8% higher after an infection compatible with Omicron BA.2 than Omicron BA.1 among adults who were triple-vaccinated when infected; this was after adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and time since last COVID-19 vaccination. It includes a complete list of studies planned and already under way into the emerging variant. 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. Any variants showing evidence of spread are rapidly assessed. 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. As set out last week, the effectiveness of all vaccines against symptomatic infection continues to be lower in all periods against Omicron compared to Delta. The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 5. We continue to urge everyone who is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster. This is to be expected and UKHSA is monitoring the situation closely. A preliminary assessment did not find evidence of a difference in vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic disease for BA.2 compared to BA.1. Vaccine efficacy analysis continues to show lower effectiveness for symptomatic Omicron disease. We are continuing to monitor the data closely. The analysis shows that coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the UK are primarily made up of BQ.1 and its sublineages, consistent with the UKHSA risk assessment published in October. However, increases in SGTF can give a useful early indication of variant spread. UKHSA continues to monitor and study variants of SARS-CoV-2 closely and is working with academic partners to rapidly assess the significance of the lineages BA.4 and BA.5. UKHSA has also released a variant risk assessment for Omicron BA.4 and BA.5, summarising the emerging epidemiology and laboratory evidence. 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. There are also hybrid strains, such as XE, which is a combination of BA.1 and BA.2 By Alex Finnis As is routine for any new variants under investigation, UKHSAis carrying out laboratory and epidemiological investigations to better understand the properties of this variant. This is consistent with analysis published yesterday by Imperial College London and the University of Edinburgh. Dr Meera Chand, Director of Clinical and Emerging Infections at UKHSA, said: The reclassification of these variants as variants of concern reflects emerging evidence on the growth of BA.4 and BA.5 internationally and in the UK. We should all continue to test regularly with LFDs and take a PCR test if symptoms develop. BA2 Variant is overtaking Delta and Omicron Cases at rapid speed. Increased case detection through focused contact tracing has led to more cases of the Omicron variant being identified and confirmed, as we have seen in other countries globally. Case rates remain high throughout the UK and we must remain vigilant and take up vaccinations. Anewrisk assessment for OmicronVOC-21NOV-01 (B.1.1.529)has also been published and is available here. Teams nationally and locally are working at pace to identify and trace all close contacts of every Omicron case. 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. It was designated a variant of concern (VOC) on Saturday 27 November. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published a new variant technical briefing describing ongoing work on the Omicron variant. It is one for the scientists to watch, rather than for the public to be alarmed about at this stage. The worst symptom is a "throat on fire," said University of California, San Francisco's Dr. Peter Chin-Hong. Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in the UK. We have now identified cases in the East Midlands, East of England, London and North West. Scratchy throat. 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. Consider wearing a face covering when in crowded places. Vaccination is critical to help us bolster our defences against this new variant please get your first, second or booster jab without delay. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified 2 further cases of COVID-19 with mutations consistent with B.1.1.529 in England, in addition to the previous 3 confirmed cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant known as B.1.1.529 on 27 and 28 November. After 2 doses, vaccine effectiveness was 9% and 13% respectively for BA.1 and BA.2, after 25+ weeks. As with any other coronavirus (COVID-19) variant, the vast majority do not confer any advantage to the virus and die out relatively quickly. UKHSAs new analysis examines 3 recombinants, known as XF, XE, and XD. Face coverings in crowded indoor spaces and hand washing will help to reduce transmission of infection and are especially important if you have any respiratory symptoms. The percentage of people to have received a booster dose will also already be higher in older age groups and those with underlying health conditions due to prioritisation of the rollout so far. This increased to 63% for BA.1 and 70% for BA.2 at 2 weeks following a third vaccine. 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. A number of Omicron variants are currently circulating in England, many of which have acquired mutations which may produce a degree of immune escape. 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. Get vaccinated and, for those eligible, come forward for your third or booster dose as appropriate as soon as you are called. 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. The full document and underlying data is available on GOV.UK. UKHSAs most recent variant technical briefing includes examination of a number of recombinant variants which have been identified in the UK, as well as updated epidemiological and genomic analysis of Omicron BA.2. The pace of sharing sequences by India is very slow, median days from collection to deposition is 69 days according to GISAID. In some countries, BA.2 accounts for more than half of sequenced Omicron cases, it adds. "We must remain vigilant and take up vaccinations. This includes analysing live samples of the new variant in our laboratories to investigate properties such as response to current vaccines. Further studies are underway in the UK and abroad. Genome sequencing among the states is not always fair. pic.twitter.com/ESQupxUet4. In severe cases, the SpO2 Level may also decrease. Neither BQ.1 nor XBB have been designated as variants of concern and UKHSA is monitoring the situation closely, as always. 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. While signs remain encouraging on Omicrons severity compared with Delta, the high levels of community transmission continue and may cause pressures on health services. 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. This suggests that BA.5 is likely to become the dominant COVID-19 variant in the UK. 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". 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. 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. Getting your booster jab remains the most effective way of protecting yourself and others from infection and severe disease. UKHSA is updating its variant classification system to give a clearer indication of which variants have significant changes compared to the current dominant variant. However, a small change may be enough to cause a difference in the virus properties in some circumstances. This suggests that, as immunity begins to wane, these newly emerging BA.2 variants may fuel future waves of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Dr Chand said: "So far, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether BA.2 causes more severe illness than Omicron BA.1. There will be no other categorisation of variants, including no variant under investigation (VUI) category. Vaccine effectiveness against severe disease from Omicron is not yet known but is expected to be significantly higher than protection against symptomatic disease. Two variants, CH.1.1 and XBB.1.5, appear to have a growth advantage in the UK. This will include analysing live samples of the new variant in our laboratories to investigate properties such as response to current vaccines. However, it should serve as objective evidence that this pandemic is not over. XBB (V-22OCT-02) is a recombinant lineage derived from 2 previous Omicron sublineages. 2023 BBC. Trends in SGTF over and time are however affected by the coverage of laboratories contributing to this surveillance data. UKHSA designated variant B.1.1.529 as a variant under investigation (VUI) on Thursday 25 November. 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. We now know that BA.2 has an increased growth rate which can be seen in all regions in England. Omicron sublineages BQ.1 and XBB have been given UKHSA variant designations to facilitate continued studies. As viruses mutate into new variants, they sometimes split or branch off into sub-lineages. At the moment there is much that is not yet clear. Omicron BA2 symptoms include taste loss. UKHSA encourage everyone to continue to follow the most up-to date guidance.