 claimed in a briefing note that there was likely to be a community transmission. However, it added that it was far too early to be able to make an accurate call on the full extent of the spread. The health body suggested that the case in Norfolk was 'an early indicator' that the strain might have the ability to spread like wildfire in close-contact settings. Professor Emily E Volk told the Daily Express: 'At this moment, we don't have enough data to pinpoint specific symptoms for the Pirola variant." Volk added: "The symptoms of COVID-19, RSV and the flu often mimic each other, making it tough to differentiate. If you're under the weather, don't hesitate – get tested to know what you're dealing with so you can protect yourself and others.' The symptoms she recommended everyone be vigilant about: UKHSA chief Susan Hopkins, does not believe that the strain poses a serious risk to the public. She said: "Some will be off work, but many won't because many people now have a very mild, asymptomatic illness and don't even know they have it. If we look back over the last year and a half, we've had a number of waves of new variants coming in and circulating in the community. It has not disrupted schools, it has not disrupted the economy." Hospita){kind=link}
Pirola carries a high number of mutations in its spike protein, prompting scientists to watch the virus closely to see if it is able to evade the immune system and be at a more significant risk of transmission
As cases of the Covid Pirola variant are rising, a scientist has urged the public to be vigilant about three key symptoms.
The new virus strain, officially named the Covid BA.2.86 variant, was confirmed in a care home outbreak in Norfolk after 28 people were infected. Pirola carries a high number of mutations in its spike protein, prompting scientists to watch the virus closely to see if it is able to evade the immune system and be at a more significant risk of transmission.
On September 8, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) claimed in a briefing note that there was likely to be a community transmission. However, it added that it was far too early to be able to make an accurate call on the full extent of the spread.
The health body suggested that the case in Norfolk was ‘an early indicator’ that the strain might have the ability to spread like wildfire in close-contact settings. Professor Emily E Volk told the Daily Express: “At this moment, we don’t have enough data to pinpoint specific symptoms for the Pirola variant.”