Mumbai, September 2: After the Pirola Covid variant's discovery in wastewater, more cases of the disease have been reported in the United Kingdom. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) produced a risk assessment on Covid BA.2.86 and highlighted in particular its 'high number of mutations' in order to draw attention to it. This occurs at a time when Covid cases in the UK are on the rise.

It was detected in four countries on August 18 but has since expanded to at least nine and is probably prevalent further. There were previously two instances in the UK, one each in England and Scotland, but since then, another case has now been reported in England, and there are indications that a fourth case may possibly exist in Scotland. New COVID-19 Variant in Maharashtra: Mumbai Reports First Fatality in Months; Experts Monitor Omicron Sub-Variant Situation.

It was only discovered because all of the cases were tested while hospital patients and none of them had a recent travel history, which suggests community transmission inside the UK. A few samples of BA.2.86 were also discovered in wastewater, according to the most recent official announcement.

One of the three instances that have been officially verified so far was described as being 'mildly unwell', the second case had no respiratory symptoms, and the third case, which occurred in Scotland, was symptomatic. Despite the concern over the significant number of mutations, which clearly distinguishes Pirola from earlier strains, there is little evidence that Pirola is rapidly gaining ground and assuming control, much alone becoming more dangerous. Kraken or XBB.1.5, New COVID-19 Variant Driving Coronavirus Surge: Is It More Dangerous Than Other Variants? Does It Spread More Easily? Know Everything Here.

With ten instances, Denmark presently has the most cases, followed by four each in Sweden and the US, three each in the UK and Portugal, two each in South Africa and Canada, and one each in Israel and Canada. However, according to UKHSA, these do not include nations where BA.2.86 has been found in wastewater.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 02, 2023 07:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).