New Covid variant detected in Scotland for the first time

A NEW Covid variant has been detected in Scotland for the first time.

The BA.2.86 strain, also known as Pirola, is being closely monitored by the World Health Organisation.

1

It is not considered as a variant of concern, however, it has a high number of mutations.

Genomic sequencing detected the variant from a PCR sample which was collected on August 16, the BBC reported.

The new variant was also found in wastewater testing in another NHS Health Board area.

But Public Health Scotland said the accuracy of wastewater testing is variable and results should be treated with caution.

The strain has already been found in a number of countries around the world including the US, Canada and Israel.

Dr Sarah Pitt, a virologist at the University of Brighton, told BBC Radio Scotland the fact there are a lot of differences in the new variant was not necessarily a cause for alarm.

“What you have is the virus changes quite a lot as it goes along.

“Some of those changes are not good for the virus. A lot of them are just neutral, they are just a bit different from the others but it doesn’t make any difference,” she told the Lunchtime Live programme.

“I don’t expect it to be any more dangerous than any other versions of Covid, except remembering that it is quite a nasty disease in some people.

“But I don’t think any of the variants we have seen across the whole of the last two or three years have been overall different, it’s just individuals experience Covid differently and there’s a whole range of things you could have.

“But there’s nothing new about the symptoms for this one as far as I know.”

The number of Covid cases in Scotland has been on the rise since the beginning of July.

Public Health Scotland reported 1,342 cases in the week ending August 27.

The winter vaccination programme starts on Monday, September 4.

Officials say coming forward, if you are eligible, for the jab is the best way to ensure protection over the winter period.

We pay for your stories and videos! Do you have a story or video for The Scottish Sun? Email us at [email protected] or call 0141 420 5200