- Already in over 70 countries, including the US and UK, the Covid variant has “concerning” mutations.
- The “Kraken” variant, data from the Wellcome Sanger Institute show that this strain represents half of all the recorded cases in Wirral last week.
- Scientists are reportedly concerned about Kraken’s mutations, such as F486P and S486P.
“This variant is called the XBB.1.5,” Dr Zoe said on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. Appearing on ITV’s This Morning, Dr Zoe explained it is “an offshoot from the Omicron XBB. There are some concerns about it”, she cautioned. “It’s become quite prevalent.”
New Covid variant
Already in over 70 countries, including the US and UK, the Covid variant has “concerning” mutations.
Dr Zoe elaborated: “Some of the mutations mean that it’s more likely to be able to evade immunity, from previous infections and from immunization.”
The doctor added that XBB.1.5 is “more likely” to be able to evade immunity granted by vaccinations.
However, while the variant is “one to watch”, especially as it gains traction in the UK, there is little to suggest that it could lead to more severe illness.
Kraken symptoms
Dr Zoe stated you aren’t “necessarily more likely to be hospitalised if you get this variant”.
Nicknamed the “Kraken” variant, data from the Wellcome Sanger Institute show that this strain represents half of all the recorded cases in Wirral last week.
The variant has also been recorded in:
- Telford and Wrekin, Shropshire
- Tower Hamlets, London
- Cornwall
- Stoke-on-Trent.
Scientists are reportedly concerned about Kraken’s mutations, such as F486P and S486P.
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Source: Express
