Covid alert: Catchy Nimbus variant DOUBLES in just one month, as total infections reach highest level this year
A highly contagious Covid variant is on the rise in the UK, with official data suggesting infections have doubled in a month.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that eight per cent of Covid tests analysed at the start of June were positive for the new ‘Nimbus’ strain. This is up from just four per cent in mid-May.
Nimbus, known scientifically as N.B.1.8.1, is thought to be the most contagious variant of the virus yet with experts warning it could drive a wave of new cases this summer.
Other data collected by the agency shows the total number of tests coming back positive for any type of Covid has increased to 6.8 per cent as of June 15, the latest available data.
This is up from 5.6 per cent last month and represents the highest figure recorded so far this year.
Both figures are likely to be an underestimate of how far Nimbus and Covid in general is spreading given how testing has been massively reduced from the height of the pandemic.
In its weekly report UKHSA also said there had also been a slight increase in hospital admissions for Covid to just over 1.5 admissions per 100,000 people.
It follows warnings from British scientists earlier this month that Nimbus could lead to a surge in Covid cases.
They warned that many people’s immunity to the virus, built up from previous infections and older jabs, has likely faded meaning they could be at higher risk of falling ill.
A highly contagious Covid variant is on the rise in the UK, with official data suggesting rates have doubled in a month
Lab studies suggest Nimbus can infect human cells more efficiently than previous strains, and that it may have increased ability to dodge the immune system, making it more likely to infect people.
However, there is currently no evidence that the strain is more likely to cause severe illness or death in those it infects, compared to previous strains.
But any Covid infection with the virus can still be deadly, especially for more vulnerable groups like the elderly or those with compromised immune systems.
Last week GPs warned that anyone with a ‘razor blade’ throat could have Nimbus.
According to Dr Naveed Asif, a GP at The London General Practice, this distinctive symptom is characterised by a sharp, stabbing pain when swallowing, often at the back of the throat.
Broad Nimbus symptoms are not though to differ from other Covid variants and include fatigue, fever, muscle ache and a sore throat.
Earlier this month the World Health Organisation said the strain now accounts for 10.7 per cent of Covid infections worldwide, compared to just 2.5 per cent in May.
Nimbus first originated from China, where it has been linked to a rise in cases and A&E visits.
The name ‘Nimbus’ was coined by Canadian evolutionary biologist T Ryan Gregory, the mind behind many popular variant names.
