Mirror Co UK
By Kelly-Ann Mills – News Reporter Alex Croft
20:58, 18 Aug 2023UPDATED21:37, 18 Aug 2023
Following the discovery of a new Covid variant in the UK, it is vital to be wary of the key symptoms to look out for.
The highly mutated BA.2.86 – or ‘Pirola’ – has been discovered in a number of other countries according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Despite confirming the existence of a case in the UK, the UKHSA declined to confirm any more details.
But it is the number of genetic changes to the new version of the Omicron variant which is the cause for concern – experts believe the new strain could have up to 30 changes in its protein makeup. Scientists are on alert as it is believed the mutations could dodge the body’s immunity from prior infections or vaccination.