London: UK government scientific advisers say the Covid-19 variant now predominant in the country may be up to 70 percent more deadly than previous variants, underscoring concerns about how mutations may change the characteristics of the disease. The findings from the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group; published Friday on the government’s website, build on preliminary research released January 21.
The group includes experts from universities and public agencies across the UK. The new report is based on an analysis of a dozen studies that found the so-called Kent variant, named after the county where it was first identified, is likely 30 percent to 70 percent more deadly than other variants.
The studies compared hospitalization and death rates among people infected with the variant and those infected with other variants.
The results of the analysis are worrisome, said Dr. David Strain, a clinical senior lecturer at the University of Exeter Medical School and the clinical lead for COVID at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital.
“This is highlighted by the latest figures for hospitalization that now suggest almost 50:50 male to female ratio; compared to this being predominantly in men during the first wave.”
Experts have previously said the B.1.1.7 strain could be between 30 and 70 percent more infectious than other variants.
After first being detected in September, it quickly became the dominant variant in the UK.
Third national lockdown in Uk
It is thought to have been the spark for a rapid rise in the country’s Covid-19 caseload in recent months; sending the death toll spiraling and forcing UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to enforce a third national lockdown on January 4.
The variant has also spread to other parts of the world, and quickly.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 83 countries have reported cases of the strain. It has been detected on every continent on Earth except for Antarctica.
Two COVID-19 vaccines work well against variants
Research suggests the two COVID-19 vaccines in use in the UK; developed by Pfizer/BioNTech and AstraZeneca – offer some protection against B.1.1.7.
But the variant’s spread has nonetheless added to fears over emerging mutations of the novel coronavirus.