New Covid variant alert with 'unusual' symptoms as doctors issue warning
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Health officials have issued a stark warning about a new strain of coronavirus, which comes with unusual symptoms, following a surge in cases.
Irish residents are being urged to self-isolate for two days if they display any signs of Covid, as the new variant is also causing gastrointestinal problems. The variant, known as NB. 1.8.1, has already been identified in the UK, US and Australia.
Experts have emphasised that while previous strains have been associated with flu-like symptoms, NB. 1.8.1 can cause gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and heartburn, reports the Mirror.
Patients who experience bloating, constipation and abdominal pain could also find themselves diagnosed with Covid-19.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has added the variant to its official watch list and suggested that it is more transmissible than other strains.
However, there isn't any evidence to suggest that it causes more severe illnesses.
According to WHO, the strain first appeared in January and by late April it was responsible for around 10.7% of global infections, up from just 2.5% a month earlier.
The strain has seen a rapid rise in Ireland in recent weeks.
According to data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), the proportion of sequenced Covid samples linked to NB. 1.8.1 jumped from 3.7% to 27.3% in the last five weeks, reports Dublin Live.
The new Covid variant NB. 1.8.1, already dominant in regions of Asia like China and Hong Kong, has been detected in holiday hotspots including Thailand, Egypt, and the Maldives. Dr Lara Herrero, Research Leader in Virology at Griffith University, highlighted the symptoms: "Common symptoms [of NB.1.8.1] include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases."
With unseasonal cold symptoms or stomach issues possibly indicating Covid, Irish health authorities advise those feeling ill to stay home until they're symptom-free for 48 hours and to steer clear of high-risk individuals.
Current public health advice in Ireland stresses the importance of self-isolation if exhibiting any signs of Covid, with particular attention given to keeping away from vulnerable individuals until you've been clear of majority or all symptoms for two days.
Covid symptoms to look out for
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