The latest figures also indicate that women are increasingly at risk compared to the original coronavirus strain with the first wave.
The highly contagious variant of the new coronavirus that dominates the UK could be up to 70 per cent more deadly than previous strains, according to a report by the government’s scientific advisers.
The findings of the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG), published on the government’s website on Friday, highlighted concerns about how mutations could alter the characteristics of SARS-CoV2 – the virus that causes COVID-19 – and the course may change from the pandemic.
The NERVTAG report was based on a dozen studies that found that the so-called Kent variant, named after the country where it was first identified, was probably 30 to 70 percent more deadly than other versions of the new coronavirus in circulation.
These studies compared hospitalization and mortality rates among people infected with the B.1.1.7 variant, and those infected with other strains.
NERVTAG includes experts from universities and public agencies across the UK.
The results of the group’s analysis are worrying, says David Strain, a clinical senior lecturer at the University of Exeter Medical School and the clinical clue for COVID-19 at Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital.
“The higher transmissibility means that people who previously had a low risk of catching COVID (especially younger fitter females) now catch it and end up in the hospital,” Strain said.
“This is highlighted by the latest figures for hospitalization which now indicate almost 50:50 male-to-female ratio compared to the fact that it was mainly in men during the first wave.”
To date, the UK has recorded more than four million cases of COVID-19. The virus has killed more than 117,000 people nationwide, one of the world’s worst death toll.
B.1.1.7 outside supporters
Experts have previously said that the B.1.1.7 strain can be between 30 and 70 percent more contagious than other variants.
After being detected only in September, it quickly became the dominant variant in the UK.
It is suspected that this was the spark for a rapid increase in the country’s COVID-19 case in recent months, which has reduced the death toll and forced British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to a third national exclusion on 4 January. to apply.
The variant also spread rapidly to other parts of the world.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 83 countries have reported cases of the strain. It has been found on every continent on earth except Antarctica.
Research suggests that the two COVID-19 vaccines used in the UK – developed by Pfizer / BioNTech and AstraZeneca – provide some protection against B.1.1.7.
But the spread of the variant nevertheless contributed to the fears about emerging mutations of the new coronavirus.
Concern has been raised by two other highly contagious strains in circulation – the so-called Brazilian and South African variants, which are known by scientists to 20I / 501Y.V2 or B.1.351 and P.1 respectively.
This variant possesses the E484K mutation, which occurs on the ear protein of the virus. The mutation is believed to help the virus evade antibodies and slip past the body’s immune system. Scientists have warned that it could weaken the effectiveness of vaccines.