It is not clear where BA.2 originated, but it was first detected in the Philippines in November. Please make sure you follow all the available guidance. Neutralisation studies are currently being undertaken at the University of Oxford. It is one for the scientists to watch, rather than for the public to be alarmed about at this stage. Thanks to the expertise of scientists at UKHSA and partner organisations, were able to respond quickly to new variations of the virus. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published a new variant technical briefing describing ongoing work on the Omicron variant. We have also learnt that BA.2 has a slightly higher secondary attack rate than BA.1 in households. BA.2 is estimated to account for approximately 93.7% of cases in England, with the highest prevalence in the South East (96.4%) and the lowest in the East Midlands (91.1%). 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. In some countries, BA.2 accounts for more than half of sequenced Omicron cases, it adds. They save lives and prevent serious illness. No cases have been identified in the UK. Coronavirus (COVID-19) latest insights: Infections How Long Do Omicron BA.2 Symptoms Last? - Verywell Health As with any other coronavirus (COVID-19) variant, the vast majority do not confer any advantage to the virus and die out relatively quickly. 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. As of 18 July 2022, there were 24 cases of BA.2.75 in the UK. 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. Runny nose. Any variants showing evidence of spread are rapidly assessed. We urge these people in particular to get up-to-date. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding people to ensure their COVID-19 vaccinations are up to date and to continue following COVID-safe behaviours, as latest technical data indicates BA.4 and BA.5 have become dominant in the UK and are driving the recent increase in infections. An important question is whether BA.2 or BA.3 will become a new dominating "variant of concern". What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 5. There is evidence that protection against symptomatic disease wanes after the second dose of vaccine, and then improves after the booster. One individual diagnosed in hospital has sadly died. Omicron has a deletion atposition69/70of the spike proteinwhich allows it to be tracked through S gene target failure(SGTF)in some PCR tests. When combined with VE against symptomatic disease, the reduced risk of hospitalisation climbed to 92% 2 to 4 weeks after a third dose of the vaccine, down to 83% after 10 weeks or more. Overall, data shows significant reductions in neutralisation against several of the newly emergent variants (BA.2.75.2, BA.2.3.20 and BJ.1), compared to BA.2, BA.4 and the dominant BA.5. 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. 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. These changes will take effect as of 1 April 2022 and will be reflected in full in future technical briefings. Currently, approximately half of all tests conducted in the UK are able to detect SGTF. This matches a recent study led by Oxford University and the Office for National Statistics (ONS), using data from the COVID-19 Infection Survey produced by the latter. Omicron BA.2: The 'stealth' variant could cause more 'severe' disease Approximately half of PCR tests in the UK are able to detect SGTF. 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. Technical Briefing 34 contains further analysis on symptom comparison on Omicron and Delta. The updated risk assessment includes indicators for infection severity in both adults and children. 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. Since BA.2 is a sub-strain of the Omicron variant, it is expected that its symptoms will be similar. Neither have currently been designated as variants of concern. UKHSAis carrying out targeted testing at locations where the positive cases were likely to be infectious. The majority of these cases are located in London and the South East. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. The five key Omicron symptoms. BA.2.75.2 Variant: What We Know About 'Centaurus,' Vaccines | Time XBB.1.5 remains at very low prevalence in the UK, so estimates of growth are highly uncertain. A NEW Covid-19 Omicron sub-variant is spreading across Ireland and is the most infectious strain yet. People infected with Omicron are also less likely to experience fever or loss of taste and smell. According to the COVID Symptom Study, the five most common symptoms are the same: Runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing and sore throat. 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. AstraZeneca was the main vaccine used early in the programme in care homes and among those in clinical risk groups. The sub-variant of Omicron has been detected in 57 countries now, the WHO says. 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. Omicron BA.2 lacks the genetic deletion on the spike protein which produces S-gene target failure (SGTF) in some polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, which has been used as a proxy for Omicron cases previously. Omicron continues to grow faster than Delta, with an increased risk of transmission, particularly in contacts outside of the household. 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. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published variant technical briefing 37. I urge you to come forward as soon as youre eligible to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe. 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. The individual tested positive after travel to the UK and is linked to travel to Southern Africa. March 31, 2022. More detail will be available in UKHSAs regular variant technical briefings. 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. Vaccine effectiveness against severe disease from Omicron is not yet known but is expected to be significantly higher than protection against symptomatic disease. 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. Neither BQ.1 nor XBB have been designated as variants of concern and UKHSA is monitoring the situation closely, as always. The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 104. They say its possible that the virus has now changed its pattern and is affecting the stomach. 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. 1. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? 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. SGTF is a useful indicator of the presence of Omicron, because as a rule Delta cases have the S-gene and Omicron cases do not. 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. This particular recombinant, XE, has shown a variable growth rate and we cannot yet confirm whether it has a true growth advantage. 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. If you develop any symptoms, isolate immediately and get a PCR test. A growth rate potentially compatible with the eventual replacement of the current dominant variant. Analyses of sequenced SGTF samples has indicated that until mid-November, more than 99% of these were Delta cases. These are potentially biologically significant mutations which may change the behaviour of the virus with regards to immune escape, transmissibility or susceptibility to treatments, but this has not been proven. [92] Reactions [ edit] Vaccine producers [ edit] BA.2 Omicron Subvariant Can Damage Your Lungs, Cause More Severe Disease Than You Can Expect: Study BA.2 Omicron Subvariant Can Damage Your Lungs, Cause More Severe Disease Than You Can. 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. This is still a very small number of cases but is being investigated carefully to understand whether it is related to travel, any other variant or whether there is evidence of spread of Omicron beginning in the community. Typical meningitis symptoms include neck stiffness or pain, numbness, tingling, and sensitivity to light. BA.2 Symptoms Doctors Are Seeing The Most Right Now However, cases of the variant continue to rise at an extraordinary rate already surpassing the record daily number in the pandemic. Whilst the impact of these variants is uncertain, the variant classification system aims to identify potential risk as early as possible. A separate UK study also found higher transmissibility for BA.2 compared to BA.1. If you have any symptoms, take a test. The individuals and their households have been told to self-isolate. But Omicron is an umbrella term for several closely related lineages of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, the most common of which is the BA.1 lineage. Fast-spreading new Covid stealth Omicron BA.2 variant and symptoms Everyone should complete a primary course as soon as possible for most this will be a first and second dose. 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. Anewrisk assessment for OmicronVOC-21NOV-01 (B.1.1.529)has also been published and is available here. XD has not been identified in the UK to date, though 49 cases have been reported to global databases, the majority of these are in France. A recombinant variant occurs when an individual becomes infected with 2 or more variants at the same time, resulting in a mixing of their genetic material within the patients body. What are the symptoms of BA.2? As part of UKHSAs routine genomic surveillance, approximately 15 to 20% of all positive PCR tests are also sent for sequencing. New sub-lineages within Delta continue to be identified. That's because there could be cross-immunity - an infection with BA.1 could offer some protection against BA.2. Omicron BA 2 Covid Variant Severity ,Symptoms - Bareillyinfo While on one hand, this statement gives a ray of hope that BA.2 sub variant of Omicron which was thought to be severe is mild as the BA.1 subvariant is, but on the other hand with the report of . 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. 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. Whilst Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 are in the early stages of growth in the UK, analysis of the available data suggests that they are likely to have a growth advantage over the currently-dominant Omicron BA.2 variant. 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. After 2 doses, vaccine effectiveness was 9% and 13% respectively for BA.1 and BA.2, after 25+ weeks. 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. Data for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is not included in the UKHSA Technical Briefing. In the age group of 20-50 years, significant severity is not expected. 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. BA.2 omicron symptoms list as variant spreads in US - Fast Company BA.2 Omicron Subvariant Can Damage Your Lungs, Cause - TheHealthSite 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. Of symptomatic cases, loss of smell and taste was found to be more common in people who tested positive for Delta than those who had Omicron. We have now identified cases in the East Midlands, East of England, London, North East, North West, South East, South West and West Midlands. 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. Currently, no experimental data has been reported about BA.2 and BA.3. 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 . 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. Two-thirds with Omicron say they had Covid before. Vaccine efficacy analysis continues to show lower effectiveness for symptomatic Omicron disease. 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. It contains epidemiological data and updated analysis of COVID-19 variants currently circulating in the UK. It remains vital that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms isolates and gets aPCRtest immediately. Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive ofUKHSA, said: We are continuing our efforts to understand the effect of this variant on transmissibility, severe disease, mortality, antibody response and vaccine efficacy. We have now identified cases in the East Midlands, East of England, London, South East and North West. The BA.2 variant is a sibling of the BA.1, which swept across the country over Christmas. We constantly assess the genetic diversity within the known variants of concern (VOCs) to inform our ongoing public health response to the pandemic. You have accepted additional cookies. What is Stealth Omicron? Symptoms of the Covid variant responsible for Work is underway to identify any links to travel to Southern Africa. The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 13. "We must remain vigilant and take up vaccinations. The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 29. The risk assessment also suggests that Omicron displays a reduction in protection offered by having had a previous infection or vaccination. 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 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). Those are pretty similar to what people experience with a cold or other seasonal viruses. You have rejected additional cookies. The individuals that have tested positive are not connected to each other and are not linked to the previously confirmed cases. 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 . BA.2 Symptoms Doctors Are Seeing The Most Right Now - Yahoo! News Experts say BA.2 has extensive mutations and is about 40 percent more infectious than the original Omicron variant. BA.2 has an increased growth rate compared to BA.1 in all regions of England where there are enough cases to assess it. None of the cases to date is known to have been hospitalised or died. 3 Common Omicron BA.2.12.1 COVID-19 Subvariant Symptoms - Good Housekeeping Scientists in the UK and abroad are closely monitoring BA.2, a sub-variant of Omicron. A runny nose, gastrointestinal issues, headache and a skin rash are other common signs and symptoms. We should all continue to test regularly with LFDs [lateral flow devices] and take a PCR [polymerase chain reaction] test if symptoms develop.". This suggests that BA.5 is likely to become the dominant COVID-19 variant in the UK. Until we have this evidence, we must exercise the highest level of caution in drawing conclusions about any significant risks to peoples health. At the moment there is much that is not yet clear. The Omicron BA.2 subvariant is fast becoming the dominant strain of COVID-19, with symptoms similar to previous strains of the virus. 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. 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. 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). Wear a mask in crowded spaces and, when meeting people indoors, open windows and doors to ventilate the room. 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. The first genomes of this variant were uploaded to the international GISAID database on 22 November. This paper can be found as a pre-print, and the data is referred to in the latest vaccine surveillance report. Dizziness, Fatigue: Common symptoms of Stealth Omicron you - mint The World Health Organization has been monitoring SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19) since January 2020, during which time the variant Omicron has been identified, which is technically known as BA.1 or B.1.1.529.The WHO is now monitoring a sub-variant of Omicron, known as BA.2, which has been described as "stealth Omicron," because it has genetic mutations that potentially make it . Omicron BA.2: What we know about the Covid sub-variant Omicron BA.5 variant | COVID-19 | UC Davis Health 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. What is the stealth omicron, or BA.2, variant? Wear a mask in crowded places, including public transport and shops, to ensure we all help break the chains of transmission and slow the spread of this new variant. Evidence continues to show that Omicron is transmitting more rapidly than the dominant Delta variant.