Omicron’s sub-variant BA.2 Spreading faster than the original variant BA.1
The sub-variant BA.2 of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus is spreading faster than the original variant BA.1, but the vaccine appears to be effective in protecting against it. The sub-variant BA.2 has been placed in the category of variants currently under investigation in the UK.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has stated that the infection rate of BA.2 has increased compared to BA.1 in all areas of England where there are enough cases to assess it. At the same time, 1,072 cases of BA.2 have been identified in England in genome sequencing till 24 January. All the assessments in this regard are preliminary, while the number of cases is comparatively less.
According to the UKHSA, ‘The infection rate may have been underestimated in the initial analysis of new variants, but it is currently relatively low.’
There is a possibility of increase in the infection rate of BA.2
Experts said that the analysis of the data of the people in contact indicates that the infection rate of BA.2 is likely to be 13.4 percent between December 27, 2021 and January 11, 2022, compared to Omicron’s infection rate of 10.3 percent.
Preliminary analysis did not indicate a difference in vaccine effectiveness against the disease for BA.2 compared to BA. In the case of two doses, after more than 25 weeks, the effectiveness of the vaccine was nine percent for BA.1 and 13 percent for BA.2. After the third vaccine, this effectiveness increased in two weeks to 63 percent for BA.1 and 70 percent for BA.2.
UKHSA Chief Medical Advisor Dr Susan Hopkins said, ‘We now know that the infection rate of BA.2 has increased which can be seen in all areas of England. We have also learned that the infection rate of BA.2 is higher than that of BA.1.
He said, ‘There are fewer cases of hospitalisation and death. Although cases are still high in some regions and certain age groups, it is important that we continue to act with caution as restrictions are lifted.
Newer Articles
- Thousands of Truckers surrounded the Prime Minister’s Residence in Canada
- Lost your Smartphone? Follow these tricks, even a Switched off Phone will be Tracked
- YouTube #Shorts : A wonderful way to Earn Money!
