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Variant Strain of COVID-19 May Be Both More Transmissible And More
Lethal Says UK Advisory Group
A COVID-19 variant of
concern (VOC) identified as B.1.1.7 and circulating predominantly in
Britain has previously been characterized as more transmissible than
the original COVID-19 virus but not a cause of significant differences
in the risk of hospitalization and death. However, based on new
analyses, the VOC B.1.1.7 is now being judged as possibly more lethal
as well.
Advisory Group
In
a review of various case-control and other epidemiologic studies by
the New
and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group in the United
Kingdom, it concludes “there is a realistic possibility that VOC
B.1.1.7 is associated with an increased risk of death compared to
non-VOC viruses.” The group notes that the absolute risk of death
remains low.
The conclusion is based on findings that showed an
increased case fatality rate for persons infected with B1.1.7 compared
to persons infected with non-VOC viruses. According to the advisory
group, the relative increase in CFR was seen across age groups. The
group came to its conclusion after examining 10 different datasets and
finding statistically significant positive effect estimates in six of
these datasets ranging from 1.28 to 1.91.
To read the full report of the advisory group, visit:
https://bit.ly/36hqO7S ■
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