This new strain of Omicron which has acquired a Delta mutation could be of concern as it could be more pathogenic compared to other variants.
New data published earlier this week in the United Kingdom show contamination of almost a quarter of the country’s cases with this new variant of Omicron, called CH.1.1 and nicknamed Orthus. This variant has also been detected in Spain, but also in India.
British health authorities explain that this new variant could be likely to become majority and which could supplant BQ.1.
Especially since he was present in 23.1% of cases as of January 7 as announced by the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA), as pointed out The Independent.
Why the nickname Orthos?
Like the Kraken, the legendary huge-sized sea monster from Norse legends to qualify the XBB.1.5 variant, this new variant has also received a nickname.
Orthos is a two-headed dog of Greek mythology. A nickname that suits him well since he is both a subvariant of the Omicron lineage but with a mutation originating from Delta.
Symptoms and danger of this variant
It has been reported that Orthos as well as Kraken have the same symptoms as Omicron. Either the runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing, sore throat, among others.
Orthos has a mutation called P681R – which was also on the Delta variant – and it could allow better attack the cells and of cause more serious illness.
Scientists have also discovered that this variant has R346T, which is believed to help the strain to fight the antibodies generated in response to vaccination or prior infection, as reported by the Daily mail.
Like the Kraken, this new Orthos variant has not yet been classified as “concerning”. But specialists are watching it closely to avoid a potential new wave of contamination.
Vaccination to protect yourself
Faced with these new emerging variants, it is therefore important to protect yourself with barrier gestures as well as vaccination, which is strongly recommended by scientists.
In particular to avoid a possible new wave.