Parts of the UK could be experiencing a new covid wave as many begin to record a possible increase in case numbers.
According to reports, the early signs of a rise comes from a jump in infections from Omicron variant BA.1 as well as newer variants BA.4 and BA.5.
READ MORE - DWP confirms £650 cost of living payment date for 8 million households
All four nations have seen a slight rise in the prevalence of the virus, though the Office for National Statistics describes the trend in Scotland and Wales as “uncertain”.
The Guardian reports the variants may have evolved to make them more dangerous by infecting lung tissue.
What are BA.4 and BA.5?
Omicron BA.1 is the original variant of Omicron that caused a surge in infections across the UK in December and early January. BA.4 and BA.5 are newer variants that were recently classified by the UK Health Security Agency as “variants of concern”, after analysis found both were likely to have a “growth advantage” over BA.2, which is still the dominant strain in the country.
Initial findings suggest BA.4 and BA.5 have a degree of “immune escape”, meaning the immune system can no longer recognise or fight a virus, which is likely to contribute to their growth advantage over BA.2, the UKHSA said.
Date from the University of Tokyo in Japan suggested BA.4, BA.5 and BA.2.12.1 may refavour infecting lung cells, rather than upper respiratory tract tissue, the Guardian reported.
