This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55534727

The article has changed 25 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 13 Version 14
South Africa coronavirus variant: What is the risk? South Africa coronavirus variant: What is the risk?
(32 minutes later)
The government has announced it is to carry out door-to-door testing in parts of England for a new variant of coronavirus originally identified in South Africa.The government has announced it is to carry out door-to-door testing in parts of England for a new variant of coronavirus originally identified in South Africa.
More than 100 cases of the South Africa variant have been spotted since 22 December. Most are linked to travel, but some may be community cases. It is likely there may be more that haven't been found.More than 100 cases of the South Africa variant have been spotted since 22 December. Most are linked to travel, but some may be community cases. It is likely there may be more that haven't been found.
Experts are studying the variant to understand what risk it poses.Experts are studying the variant to understand what risk it poses.
What is the new variant?What is the new variant?
All viruses, including the one that causes Covid-19, constantly mutate into new versions or variants.All viruses, including the one that causes Covid-19, constantly mutate into new versions or variants.
These tiny genetic changes happen as the virus makes new copies of itself to spread and thrive.These tiny genetic changes happen as the virus makes new copies of itself to spread and thrive.
Most are inconsequential, and a few can even be harmful to the virus's survival, but some variants can make the virus more infectious or threatening to the host - humans.Most are inconsequential, and a few can even be harmful to the virus's survival, but some variants can make the virus more infectious or threatening to the host - humans.
There are now many thousands of variants of the pandemic virus circulating. But experts are concerned about the South African variant, or 501.V2.There are now many thousands of variants of the pandemic virus circulating. But experts are concerned about the South African variant, or 501.V2.
Is it more dangerous?Is it more dangerous?
There is no evidence that the South Africa variant causes more serious illness for the vast majority of people who become infected.There is no evidence that the South Africa variant causes more serious illness for the vast majority of people who become infected.
As with the original version, the risk is highest for people who are elderly or have significant underlying health conditions.As with the original version, the risk is highest for people who are elderly or have significant underlying health conditions.
But there are concerns it can spread more readily and vaccines may not work quite as well against it.But there are concerns it can spread more readily and vaccines may not work quite as well against it.
Some of the changes involve the virus's spike protein - the part that gains the virus entry into human cells. It is also the bit that vaccines are designed around, which is why experts are concerned about these particular mutations.
What do experts say?What do experts say?
The South African variant carries one of the same mutations as the recently discovered UK or Kent variant that scientists have also been studying in the UK. The South African variant carries a mutation, called N501Y, that appears to make it more contagious or easy to spread.
This mutation, called N501Y, appears to make both more contagious or easy to spread. Another mutation, called E484K, could help the virus dodge some attack by a person's immune system and may affect how well coronavirus vaccines work.
While other changes in the new UK variant are unlikely to harm the effectiveness of current vaccines, there is a chance some in the South African variant, including a mutation called E484K, may do so to some extent, say scientists.
It is too soon to say for sure, or by how much, until more tests are completed, although it is extremely unlikely the mutations would render vaccines useless.It is too soon to say for sure, or by how much, until more tests are completed, although it is extremely unlikely the mutations would render vaccines useless.
Dr Simon Clarke, who is an expert in cell microbiology at the University of Reading, said: "The South African variant has a number of additional mutations including changes to some of the virus' spike protein which are concerning."
The spike protein is what coronavirus uses to gain entry into human cells. It is also the bit that vaccines are designed around, which is why experts are worried about these particular mutations.
Prof Francois Balloux, from University College London, said: "The E484K mutation has been shown to reduce antibody recognition. As such, it helps the virus SARS-CoV-2 to bypass immune protection provided by prior infection or vaccination."
What are the new UK travel rules?What are the new UK travel rules?
When will I get a Covid vaccine?When will I get a Covid vaccine?
How do I know the Covid vaccine is safe?How do I know the Covid vaccine is safe?
Scientists have tested the Pfizer Covid vaccine against N501Y, using blood samples from 20 people.Scientists have tested the Pfizer Covid vaccine against N501Y, using blood samples from 20 people.
In that preliminary study, vaccination appeared to work against the mutated virus.In that preliminary study, vaccination appeared to work against the mutated virus.
Early results from Moderna suggest its vaccine is still effective against the South Africa variant, although the immune response may not be as strong or prolonged.Early results from Moderna suggest its vaccine is still effective against the South Africa variant, although the immune response may not be as strong or prolonged.
Two new coronavirus vaccines that could be approved soon - one from Novavax and another from Janssen - appear to offer some protection against the variant.Two new coronavirus vaccines that could be approved soon - one from Novavax and another from Janssen - appear to offer some protection against the variant.
Even in the worst case scenario, vaccines can be redesigned and tweaked to be a better match in a matter or weeks or months, if necessary, say experts.Even in the worst case scenario, vaccines can be redesigned and tweaked to be a better match in a matter or weeks or months, if necessary, say experts.
Scientists seek to understand new variantScientists seek to understand new variant
How far has it spread?How far has it spread?
It is already the dominant virus variant in the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa.It is already the dominant virus variant in the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa.
At least 20 other countries including Austria, Norway and Japan, have also found cases.At least 20 other countries including Austria, Norway and Japan, have also found cases.
What is the UK doing about it?What is the UK doing about it?
Travel is now banned from many countries in southern Africa, as well as Tanzania and Democratic Republic of Congo.Travel is now banned from many countries in southern Africa, as well as Tanzania and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Targeted testing in the community is also taking place in Surrey, London, Kent, Hertfordshire and Walsall. Targeted testing in the community is also taking place in some parts of England.
Public health authorities and scientists are studying the variant and will share their findings soon.Public health authorities and scientists are studying the variant and will share their findings soon.