A new Covid strain which scientists are calling even 'more infectious than the common Delta variant' is currently 'under investigation' as cases soar across the UK.
The AY.4.2 mutation, which officials are monitoring as a “variant under investigation”, represented a staggering 11.8 per cent of infections in England from mid-October to early-November.
However, scientists have warned that those infected with the mutation are more likely to show no symptoms - only one-third of people carrying AY.4.2 displayed common coronavirus symptoms such as a persistent cough, loss or change in taste and smell, and a fever.
In comparison, people carrying the Delta variant of which 46% show typical symptoms.
Christl Donnelly, professor of statistical epidemiology at Imperial College London, believes the new strain is more infectious than the common Delta variant.
He said: “It is absolutely the case that if people are waiting for symptoms to do a test and to therefore identify that they are infected, and therefore cut back their contacts, being asymptomatic may facilitate transmission for example.
“It is asymptomatic transmission that really can make the difference between what’s relatively easily containable and what needs vaccination.”
Scientists also found that third vaccine doses for eligible adults and the vaccination of children aged 12 and over are associated with lower infection risk.
