A new sub-variant of Omicron has been found in the UK as scientists work hard to learn more about it.
Several coronavirus variants have been discovered throughout the pandemic with many becoming the dominant strain, including Delta and Omicron.
Now a mutant strain - known as Omicron XE - which is a combination of the original Omicron and Stealth Omicron has been discovered in the UK.
It comes as the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that 4.9 million people in the UK were infected with Covid-19 as of last weekend - a record high during the pandemic.
Experts say the surge could be down to restrictions easing coupled with the rise of the Omicron BA.2 sub-variant, known as Stealth Omicron.
A report released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that a total of 763 cases of Omicron XE have been reported across the UK as of March 22.
A total of 637 of these XE cases were detected in England. The bulk of the cases are said to be in the east of England, south east of England and London.
Here's everything you need to know about Omicron XE and if there are any new symptoms.
What is Omicron XE?
XE is said to be a ‘recombinant’ of both the original Omicron strain and the so-called ‘stealth Omicron’, or BA.2.
Experts are still carrying out research to confirm whether XE is more transmissible than BA.2.
There is so far no evidence to suggest that XE infections result in more severe symptoms than previous strains of the virus.
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at UKHSA, told The Sun : “As with other kinds of variant, most will die off relatively quickly.
“This particular recombinant, XE, has shown a variable growth rate and we cannot confirm yet confirm whether it has a true growth advantage.
“So far there is not enough evidence to draw conclusions about transmissibility, severity or vaccine effectiveness.”
In a report released last week the WHO said the XE recombinant was first detected in the UK on January 19 and said early tests showed it could be more transmissible.
The report said: “Early-day estimates indicate a community growth rate advantage of 10% as compared to BA.2, however this finding requires further confirmation.
“XE belongs to the Omicron variant until significant differences in transmission and disease characteristics, including severity, may be reported.”
How many cases of Omicron XE are in the UK?
A report released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that a total of 763 cases of the mutant strain have been reported across the UK as of March 22.
A total of 637 XE of these cases were detected in England. The bulk of the cases are said to be in the east of England, south east of England and London.
It is unclear if any cases of the XE variant have been found in Scotland so far.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that 4.9 million people in the UK were infected with Covid-19 as of last weekend - a record high during the pandemic.
Does Omicron XE have any different symptoms?
Due to the Omicron sub-variant being recently discovered, there are currently no new symptoms with Omicron XE.
Omicron symptoms are very similar to a common cold, with classic three symptoms of cough, high temperature and loss of taste or smell less reported.
According to ZOE COVID Study app, the top Omicron symptoms are:
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runny nose
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headache
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fatigue (mild or severe)
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sneezing
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sore throat
What are the new Covid symptoms?
The official list of Covid-19 symptoms has been expanded to include nine new signs of illness.
Since the start of the pandemic, only three symptoms were listed by the NHS - a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to the sense of smell or taste.
According to nhs.uk the signs of Covid-19 that people should look out for also include:
- shortness of breath
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feeling tired or exhausted
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an aching body
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a headache
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a sore throat
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feeling tired or exhausted
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an aching body
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a headache
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a sore throat
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a blocked or runny nose
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loss of appetite
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diarrhoea
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feeling sick or being sick
A note on website adds: “The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu.”
Both the World Health Organisation and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the US have had longer symptom lists for some time.
But in the UK the list had just three symptoms on the list for almost two years.
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