A new coronavirus variant is rampantly spreading across the UK, experts have confirmed.
And while the strain - known as the Pirola strain - itself is “not likely to make people seriously ill”, it is expected to take a firm grip as the UK moves into the winter months.
In a statement, the UKHSA said: "These early data indicate that BA.2.86 is no more likely to evade existing antibodies than XBB.1.5, another variant which has been circulating widely in the UK. Professor Susan Hopkins, the chief medical advisor for the UKHSA said: "While this is still very early data and more research is needed before we can be certain, it is encouraging to see an initial indication that BA.2.86 demonstrates similar levels of antibody escape compared to other variants circulating in the UK.
If you don’t like our community, you can leave any time. We also treat members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Read our privacy notice here. The other 18 cases have been identified by scientists via routine genomic surveillance - the standard method used to track a disease's progression.
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