Scientists are closely monitoring a sub-variant of Omicron Covid-19 after it spread widely and quickly across the world.
BA.2 has been labelled a stealth variant due to difficulties in picking it up on a PCR test, and its rapid spread has led to fears it may be more transmissible as it is not as easily identified when it is picked up.
Experts are closely monitoring its growth across countries after it was declared a 'variant under investigation' by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), HullLive reports.
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We've rounded up everything you need to know about BA.2 Omicron, from what it is and how you can protect yourself to its potential impact on restrictions.
What is BA.2?
Like the original strain of Omicron, BA.2 was first spotted in South Africa, this time in November.
It has 32 of the same mutations as the first Omicron - BA.1 - but also has a further 28 different mutations.
An increasing number of cases are being reported cases across several countries, including the UK. It has been labelled the 'stealth omicron' as it spread quietly without being picked up for months.
The latest figures suggest there are at least 1,000 cases of BA.2 in England, although it's likely this is a significant underestimate as most test results are not sequenced to determine which variant they are.
Why is it becoming a concern?
The strain has been found in several countries, including the UK, Germany, India, South Africa and Denmark where the proportion of cases caused by BA.2 is increasing.
BA.2 is becoming increasingly more common suggesting it could soon replace BA.1 as the dominant form of the virus.
Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical officer for the UKHSA said: "We now know that BA.2 has an increased growth rate, which can be seen in all regions in England.
"We have also learnt that BA.2 has a slightly higher secondary attack rate than BA.1 in households."
How severe is the illness from BA.2?
Experts are still trying to analyse the full extent of the rise of this new variant but have not fully concluded if it is more severe than the previous Omicron strain.
Dr Tom Peacock, a virologist at Imperial College London said: "We do not currently have a strong handle on antigenicity, severity or a much evidence for how much more transmissibility BA.2 might have over BA.1 ."
The scientist said that very early observations from India and Denmark suggest there is no "dramatic difference" in severity compared to Omicron, but the data is being closely monitored.
More transmissible viruses are still cause for concern as they could lead to greater hospitalisations, deaths and widespread cases even if the strain is considered less severe.
How can I protect myself from it?
As the concerns grow surrounding how transmissible the variant is, caution is being advised in order to prevent a chain of infections that may lead to fatalities.
Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser for UKHSA said: "Although hospitalisations and deaths remain low, cases are still high in some areas and some age groups so it’s important that we continue to act cautiously as restrictions are lifted.
"Consider wearing a face covering when in crowded places. Take a vaccine to protect yourself against Covid-19. If you have any symptoms, take a test."
Does this mean another vaccine?
It largely depends on how many you have; but no new booster is being suggested at this time. According to the UK Health Security Agency, the existing vaccines are actually better at protecting against BA.2 over BA.1.
Three vaccine doses are 70 per cent effective at preventing symptomatic infections by BA.2 two weeks after the booster and 63 percent effective against BA.1.
Two vaccine doses shows the efficacy after 25 weeks is 13 percent against BA.2 and 9 percent against BA.1
Data is currently being monitored to evaluate the full extent of these growing cases with little knowledge known about it's severity in comparison to BA.1.
No suggested alterations are being suggested as we exited restrictions last week but some rules are still in place to help limit the spread.
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