(Reuters) – A new version of the novel coronavirus does not appear to cause illness worse than other modifications, according to a matched study of bit.ly/2X7cLgp by Public Health England.
Scientists say the new variant may spread faster. It was discovered in England in mid-December and forced other countries to ban travel to the United Kingdom. Several other countries have reported changes.
Under the study, researchers compared 1,769 people with the new variant with 1,769 who had the “wild type” viruses. Both groups were matched 1: 1 by age, gender, place of residence and time of trial.
Of the 42 people admitted to the hospital, 16 were infected with the new variant while 26 cases had wild-type infection, according to the study. In terms of mortality, 12 deaths died in variable cases compared to 10 deaths in wild type cases.
“Preliminary results from the cohort study did not find a statistically significant difference in hospital and 28-day case mortality between cases with the relatively variable cases and wild type,” the study said.
There was no significant difference in the likelihood of recurrence with the new variant compared to the other variables, he said.
However, the study found that the “secondary attack rate,” or the proportion of linked cases of confirmed cases that develop the disease itself, was higher in people with the new variant.
Earlier on Tuesday, a chief epidemiologist advising the government, Andrew Hayward, warned that Britain was on the verge of a “catastrophe” in the coming weeks if it did not take tougher action against the opposite. more contagious of the disease.
Britain reported 53,135 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, the highest number since major tests began in mid-2020. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has allowed more parts of the country to be admitted to height of restrictions, known as level 4, The Times reported.
Reporting by Nandakumar D and Aakriti Wall in Bengaluru; edited by Grant McCool