New ‘Pirola’ Covid Variant Detected in UK as Traces Found in Wastewater
Date: September 2, 2021
A new variant of the coronavirus, known as the ‘Pirola’ variant or Covid BA.2.86, has been detected in the UK after traces of the variant were found in wastewater. This variant has been on the monitoring lists of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) since last month, with the first case identified in London.
According to the latest data from UKHSA, the variant has been detected in England, bringing the total number of cases in the UK to three. The Pirola variant has also been found in eight countries, including Denmark, Sweden, the US, Portugal, South Africa, Canada, and Israel.
In response to this new variant, the UK government has accelerated the rollout of its autumn Covid vaccines. The specifics of the Pirola variant are still limited, but epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove from the WHO has mentioned symptoms that include a runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing, and a sore throat.
UKHSA’s investigation reveals that none of the UK cases appear to have been contracted abroad. The infections were identified through hospital testing, and routine data analysis shows no recent travel history for the patients.
The UKHSA also highlighted that the Pirola variant has been detected in wastewater in multiple countries, indicating that those carrying the virus are shedding it. However, specific locations were not revealed.
The discovery of the BA.X strain was made through genetic sequencing, a process that determines the genetic makeup of a molecule’s DNA.
Despite this new development, concerns have been raised about the UK’s vigilance regarding Covid. Professor Lawrence Young from the University of Warwick expressed worry about the relaxed attitude towards the virus, particularly with the return of children to schools and adults to offices after the summer holidays. He emphasized the need for monitoring and precautionary measures to control infections.
The Office for National Statistics had discontinued its virus monitoring in March, but the Zoe Health Study estimates a significant increase in infections last month, with approximately 785,000 cases reported on July 27. Furthermore, Covid-related hospital admissions are at their highest rate in three months.
As the Pirola variant continues to emerge globally, policymakers and health authorities must remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent further spread of the virus.