UK Government scientific advisers say the Covid-19 variant now predominant in our country may be up to 70% 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 (12) on the Government’s website, build on preliminary research released on 21 January. The group includes experts from universities and public agencies across the UK.
The new report is based on analysis of a dozen studies that found the so-called Kent variant, named after the county where it was first identified, is likely 30% to 70% more deadly than other variants. The studies compared hospitalisation and death rates among people infected with the variant and those infected with other variants.
The results of the analysis are worrisome, said clinical senior lecturer at the University of Exeter Medical School and the clinical lead for Covid at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital Dr. David Strain.
“The higher transmissibility means that people who were previously at low risk of being infected with Covid (particularly younger fitter females) are now getting infected and ending up in hospital,″ Strain said. “This is highlighted by the latest figures for hospitalisation that now suggest an almost 50:50 male to female ratio compared to this being predominantly in men during the first wave.″
UK variant may be up to 70% more deadly: Study
16 Feb 2021
UK variant may be up to 70% more deadly: Study
16 Feb 2021