Covid alert: Catchy Nimbus variant DOUBLES in just one month, as total infections reach highest level this year
Share this @internewscast.com

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

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, a descendant of the already super virulent Omicron, is any 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.

Medics have warned that anyone with a ‘razor blade’ throat could have Nimbus.

Dr Michael Gregory, regional medical Director for NHS England in the North West recently said: ‘The variant looks to be spreading rapidly within communities, with top symptoms being a “razor blade” sore throat and swollen neck glands.’ 

Broad Nimbus symptoms are not thought to differ from other Covid variants and include fatigue, fever, muscle ache and a sore throat. 

Experts have also said that current Covid vaccines, which have been reformulated to combat Omicron descendants, are expected to remain effective against Nimbus. 

While data suggests Nimbus is on the rise in the UK it currently still accounts for a minority of total Covid cases. 

Symptoms of Nimbus do not appear to differ from other Covid variants and include fatigue, fever, muscle ache and a sore throat

Symptoms of Nimbus do not appear to differ from other Covid variants and include fatigue, fever, muscle ache and a sore throat 

Instead, strains LP.8.1.1 and XFG—which, like Nimbus, are descended Omicron—were the most common Covid variants accounting for a fifth and a quarter of all tests analysed, respectively. 

Earlier this month the World Health Organisation said Nimbus now accounts for 10.7 per cent of Covid infections worldwide, compared to just 2.5 per cent in May.

Other UKHSA data, shows that only 59 per cent of Britons in England aged over 75 had taken up the offer of a Covid vaccine.

Uptake fell to just one in four among under 75s with compromised immune systems, who are also eligible for the jab on the NHS.

NHS England’s spring Covid vaccine drive is drawing to a close with the system closing for bookings earlier this week. 

Vaccine companies are reported to be in the midst of updating their shots to fit the ‘Nimbus’ strain. 

Moderna said late last month that its updated mNEXSPIKE shot will be available by the fall. 

Nimbus first originated from China, where it has been linked to a rise in cases and A&E visits. 

The variant has taken off in the US where data suggests it now makes up over a third of Covid cases, making it the second-most common variant. 

Nimbus’ as a name was coined by Canadian evolutionary biologist T Ryan Gregory, the mind behind many popular variant names. 

 

 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Doctor Recommends Immediate Action to Reduce Dementia Risk in Your 60s

A simple hearing test could significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia…

What Plastic Surgeries Have the Kardashians Admitted To? Here’s What They’ve Revealed in Their Own Words

The Kardashians—and their seemingly ageless appearances—are once again the talk of social…

The $1 Pill Women Claim Transformed Their Sex Lives: Doctors Weigh in on the Latest Trend

Ancient Romans slurped oysters to get in the mood, while in the…

Ask Dr. Ellie: How to Overcome Intimate Discomfort and Reclaim Your Life

I have been diagnosed with vaginal atrophy which causes terrible intimate pain.…

A Quick 30-Second Test by Doctors Might Detect Early Dementia Symptoms

TV presenter Fiona Phillips revealed she had Alzheimer’s disease in 2023 (Image:…

An In-Flight Emergency: Here’s What Truly Happens Compared to the Movies

It was just after 7 a.m. and I was 30,000 feet in…

‘I Tried a New Gym Class and Spent Days in the Hospital’: The Popular Workout Trend That Can Be Dangerous – Fitness Enthusiasts Share Their Nightmares

The phrase ‘no pain, no gain’ has been heard across gym floors…

Guidance on Weight Loss Injections: Avoid This Common Mistake to Prevent Organ Damage

A nurse has raised concerns for the increasing numbers of people using…

Important Alert: Widely-Used Prescription Drug Recalled Over Cancer Risk Concerns

Health officials have urgently recalled a common daily pill taken by cancer…

Could Iron Deficiency Be Misdiagnosed as ADHD in Women? Discover a Simple Supplement Solution

For as long as Josie Heath-Smith can remember, she has suffered from…

I attempted the intense workout favored by Meghan Markle and Kim Kardashian — it was exhausting

Lagree Pilates has become the next big thing in health and fitness.…

Doctor Highlights Important Risk Associated with Weight Loss Injections and Offers Solutions

A doctor has warned those who use weight loss jabs like Ozempic,…