Two new Covid-19 variants are spreading through Wales with cases multiplying week on week
Two new Covid-19 variants are spreading through Wales with cases multiplying week on week
Public Health Wales has issued advice as two new Covid variants circulate
Public Health Wales has urged for all eligible people to continue to receive Covid-19 vaccinations after data released by them has shown two new variants sweep through Wales within the past five weeks.
This news comes after a variant named NB.1.8.1 made headlines more than five years after the initial outbreak of the virus that put the world on pause. The new strain now accounts for just over 10% of global infections with cases now confirmed in Northern Ireland and Wales. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
While there is no evidence that the new strain causes more severe symptoms, experts have said that it can infect cells more efficiently and can cause symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation, and nausea.
Only four cases of the NB.1.8.1 have identified in Wales so it is not necessarily the variant anyone should worry about.
Data shows that variants XFB and XFG are the ones sweeping through our nation as confirmed cases of this strain have grown by 52.5% within a timeframe of 28 days.
Article continues below
Variants XFB and XFG made up 60% of all Covid-19 cases in Wales on May 19. Just five weeks earlier, on April 21, they accounted for only 7.5% of infections.
Healthcare professionals say this acts as a reminder that the virus has not gone away and that those considered vulnerable will continue to be seriously affected by these variants if necessary precautions are not taken.
Dr Christopher Williams, consultant epidemiologist for Public Health Wales, said: 'The emergence of the XFB and XFG variants are a reminder that Covid-19 has not gone away and it is still important to take precautions if you develop symptoms such as fever, persistent cough, or loss of smell or taste, in particular to avoid spreading the virus to vulnerable people who can be severely affected.
Article continues below
'There is no evidence to suggest that these new variants are any more or less severe than other previous variants and the vaccine is effective against them.
'If you are in an eligible group and have received an invitation for a Covid vaccination please take it up as it remains the most effective way to avoid serious symptoms from Covid.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
8 hours ago
- Wales Online
Warning Wales faces exodus of dentists and patients forced to go private
Warning Wales faces exodus of dentists and patients forced to go private Patients would be seen by any dentist available and check-ups will rise in price and be moved to once every two years if a new NHS dental plan for Wales is approved NHS patients will be seen by any dentist available, rather than their regular practice, and check-ups will be moved to every two years in a planned move the profession warned will cause an "exodus" of staff in Wales. More than six in 10 dentists said they would go fully private rather than take on the Welsh Government's planned shake-up. The changes being proposed are "a leap in the dark that could destroy NHS dentistry in Wales", the British Dental Association (BDA) warned. As a consultation on radical changes to NHS dentistry draws to a close the BDA urged the Welsh Government to heed the warnings of the profession "to avoid a wholesale exodus from the workforce". The Welsh Government has said its proposals will improve patients' access to dental service but the BDA said it would mean more forced to go private. Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. Under the shake-up adults would no longer have a regular practice NHS dentist but would be seen by whichever one is available on a first come first served basis. They would stay with that dentist until the course of treatment ends and then be returned the central list. Under-18s would keep the same surgery they are first allocated but dentists warn this could cause problems for families having appointments at multiple surgeries. Prices for NHS check-ups will rise from £20 to £24.75 under the plans. Article continues below "Despite worthy-sounding policy goals – to improve oral health, refocus on prevention, enhance the wellbeing of the workforce, and deliver better value for money – the professional body is warning that the plans as they stand risk achieving the exact opposite results," the BDA said. A survey of dentists across Wales by the BDA found "dentists have been left in an invidious position that risks an exodus from the NHS" with 72% saying they would not be willing to work under the proposed reforms as they stand. More than seven in 10 also said they are likely to reduce their NHS commitment in the event the model is imposed next year and more than six in 10 say they are likely to go fully private. Changes are expected to be fast-tracked for rollout next year. Jeremy Miles, the cabinet secretary for health and social care, has described the package as the "biggest change in nearly 20 years". The BDA said despite "headline focus on prevention" reducing healthier patients to check-up appointments up to 24 months apart could mean diseases, including oral cancers, are not picked up early. Dentists would also be unable to offer timely preventative advice and treatment. There will also be big changes to how NHS dentists are paid with rewards for delivering a 'care package' to patients with ongoing or complex needs. But the proposed level of payment "fails to reflect the true cost of care and risks leaving NHS providers delivering care at a loss", the BDA said. Russell Gidney, chair of the BDA's Welsh General Practice, said: 'On improving access and outcomes and refocusing on prevention the Welsh Government set lofty goals but its reforms risk achieving the exact opposite. 'Now dentists are stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea between a failed status quo and an unpopular untested alternative. "Ministers must be willing to listen, pilot plans, and avoid a leap in the dark that could destroy this service.' In a statement to the Senedd on March 18 Mr Miles said the new general dental services contract will be implemented from April 2026. He said the reforms would be the biggest in nearly 20 years and the central aim will be to make it easier to access NHS dentistry. He said instead of recalling everyone every six months for a routine check-up the new contract will be based on prevention and needs-based provision of treatment. The online BDA survey answered by 176 dentists across Wales also shows only: 2% of dentists responding feel that changes would support the long-term sustainability of NHS dentistry in Wales; 2% agree that reforms would improve population health with only 5% saying that they would enhance prevention; 2% feel reforms would support continuity of care with the same proportion believing it would enhance early detection of oral health conditions; 8% say that reforms would actually improve access to NHS care, and; 6% think the proposed system would provide good value for money for the taxpayer. Responding to the BDA's comments and findings a Welsh Government spokesman said: 'Under the new contract most people would continue their relationship with their practice and continuity would be strengthened for people with poor oral health. 'We are committed to providing better access to NHS dentistry for those most in need and at risk and to making NHS dentistry more attractive to dentists and their teams. The consultation on the proposed new contract is now live for the public and professional alike to have a say in shaping these once-in-a-generation reforms.' Article continues below Get our daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Covid rates surge 97% as new infectious variant gains foothold in UK
A new strain of Covid has been discovered in the UK as rates of positive tests have soared 97% since the beginning of March. NB.1.8.1 COVID-19 variant, sometimes referred to as the Nimbus variant, has been detected in at least 12 cases so far in Britain. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said Nimbus is making up a "growing proportion" of Covid cases worldwide. Latest UKHSA data up shows a 97% increase overall in the number of positive Covid tests since, with 6.1% of people giving a reading for the virus on June 1 compared to just 3.21% at on March 1. Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA's deputy director, said the agency was monitoring Nimbus. She said: "UKHSA is monitoring all available data relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad, and we continue to publish our findings in our regular Flu and Covid-19 surveillance reports. "NB.1.8.1 has been detected in small numbers in the UK to date, but international data suggests that it is growing as a proportion of all Covid-19 cases." People testing positive, or who are suffering symptoms of a respiratory infection, are advised to avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible. Symptoms include a high temperature and not feeling well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities. A statement from the UKHSA added: "The most important thing to do is to get your vaccination when it is due if you're eligible. "It's normal for viruses to mutate and change, and as more data becomes available on this variant, we'll have a better understanding of how it interacts with our immune systems and how to optimise our protection, as well as actions we can take to keep the most vulnerable safe and live our lives as normally as possible." The World Health Organisation (WHO) said the new Nimbus strain accounted for just over 10% of all global cases in May. 'The NB.1.8.1 variant, also referred to as Nimbus, is a new strain of the Covid-19 virus that has emerged due to mutations in its genetic material,' says Dr Naveed Asif, GP at The London General Practice. It's a sub-variant of Omicron, says Dr Chun Tang, GP at Pall Mall Medical. 'Variants like this pop up when the virus mutates, which is normal for viruses, especially ones that spread widely,' explains Tang. 'NB.1.8.1 was first picked up in early 2025 and has since been detected in several countries, including the UK, China and US. It's got some new mutations that scientists are keeping a close eye on.'
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
190,000 warned they could fall ill on Sunday following multiple outbreaks
Mass events on Sunday could see people fall ill unless they take precautions, the UKHSA has warned People planning on attending events this weekend have been warned to avoid a nasty parasitic infection that causes serious stomach upset - vomiting and diarrhoea. 190,000 people are expected to visit farms on Sunday for the UK's Open Farm Sunday event and the UKLHSA says there is a risk of infection. Hundreds of people have fallen ill with cryptosporidium after 17 outbreaks last year and another that saw dozens fall ill in Wales earlier this year. Crypto causes painful stomach cramps as well as vomiting and diarrhoea, and is spread through contact with animals or by touching surfaces that have animal faeces on them. Everyone is at risk, but the bug is particularly bad for pregnant women, young people, the elderly and anyone who is already ill with a suppressed immune system. Public Health Wales say 89 people have so far fallen ill in one outbreak - linked to visiting Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan . The BBC says Emily Fryer's six-year-old son Isaac was hospitalised after falling ill following a visit to a farm in Worcestershire last year. She said: "He didn't eat or drink for about five days. He just slept all the time. His sugars were dangerously low and they admitted him. Obviously, I was really worried then. Because he is autistic and non-verbal, we didn't really know how we could help him." According to the BBC, o n one farm in Wales, linked to a number of outbreaks, inspectors found sick animals kept on display and a lack of handwashing facilities, risk assessments and staff training. Another farm failed to implement recommendations from a previous inspection, which led to another outbreak of cryptosporidiosis, while third farm, due to host a school visit a few days after inspection, was found to be failing. Both Public Health Wales and the UK Health Security Agency have warned the estimated 190,000 visitors who will be visiting the 250 farms taking part in Open Farm Sunday this weekend to make sure they take basic hygiene measures - including thoroughly washing hands . Jo Hatton, an education specialist for organisers of the open farm event LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming ), said: "We are supporting farmers to open their farms and with their risk assessments. We are on the phone with farmers checking in with them throughout the planning process and helping them to understand how to ensure that that visit goes smoothly and everyone goes home happy and healthy." The National Farmers' Union (NFU) said that the health and safety of farm visitors was "taken extremely seriously". To keep yourself safe from Cryptosporidium during a farm visit in the UK, follow these key precautions: 1. Hand Hygiene Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after: Touching animals or their surroundings Handling boots, clothing, or equipment used on the farm Before eating, drinking, or smoking After using the toilet Avoid using alcohol-based hand sanitisers alone – they are not effective against Cryptosporidium. 2. Avoid Hand-to-Mouth Contact Do not eat, drink, smoke, or put fingers in your mouth while on the farm, especially in animal areas. 3. Supervise Children Closely Ensure young children are kept under close watch. Help them wash their hands properly, especially after touching animals or equipment and before eating. 4. Use Designated Eating Areas Only eat and drink in areas specifically set aside for food, away from animal contact zones. 5. Wear Appropriate Clothing Wear waterproof boots and clothes suitable for a farm environment. Remove and clean clothing and footwear after the visit to avoid bringing contamination home. 6. Stay Clear of Sick Animals Avoid touching any animals that appear unwell, as they may be more likely to carry the parasite. 7. Report Illness If you or a family member develops diarrhoea within a few days after visiting a farm, especially if it persists, seek medical advice and mention the farm visit.
