The new Omicron subvariant, Omicron XE, has been detected in Northern Ireland as many countries continue to deal with surges in Covid-19 infections and hospitalisations.
A small number of cases of this new variant were recently detected up north, according to data published by the Public Health Agency.
There have been around 1,179 cases of XE confirmed in the UK so far, however, to date, fewer than five cases of the strain have been detected in Northern Ireland.
READ MORE: Luke O'Neill warns of another Covid surge within months as new Omicron XE may be 'more infectious'
According to scientists, XE contains a mix of the highly infectious omicron BA.1 strain and the newer “stealth” Omicron BA.2 variant, which is currently the dominant variant here in Ireland.
Some doctors have noted that certain characteristics of this new variant deem it the most contagious yet.
It is what’s known as a "recombinant," which is a type of variant that develops when a person becomes infected with two or more variants at the same time. The numerous strains then mix today within the body and create a new leg of the virus.
It is understood that these recombinants are not uncommon, and have been occurring since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Although the available data on the new variant’s severity and ability to evade vaccines is not yet definitive, early suggestions indicate that it could be more transmissible than earlier strains.
Symptoms
Early studies show the symptoms to be mild for those who have built up immunity through vaccination and past infection but they have been much more severe for immunocompromised patients.
Some of the symptoms that have been reported with XE include fever, sore throat, scratchy throat, cough and cold, skin irritation and discolouration, gastrointestinal distress, and loss of taste and smell.
Some of the symptoms of a more severe infection associated with the new strain are heart ailments, palpitations, and in rare cases, nerve damage.
Fatigue and dizziness have been logged as some of the early symptoms, and are followed days later by headaches, a sore throat, muscle soreness, and a temperature.
Autumn surge
Professor Luke O'Neill told Newstalk on Thursday that he believes that there will be another Covid surge in the autumn that could see Covid cases soaring once again.
However, he said that with new vaccines and better ventilation technology Ireland will be more prepared this time.
"There's no doubt there will be a surge in the autumn and then we're going to have a lot more cases again and that's a concern," he told Pat Kenny.
"It's all about preparedness now really.
"What's really interesting is the EU have a huge fund now that countries can apply to help fund this kind of thing and help fund research.
"We'll hopefully be getting access to some of those funds as well."
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