The Voice of Epidemiology

    
    


    Web EpiMonitor

► Home ► About ► News ► Job Bank Events ► Resources ► Contact
 


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  ■

 

Reader Comments:
Have a thought or comment on this story ?  Fill out the information below and we'll post it on this page once it's been reviewed by our editors.
 

       
  Name:        Phone:   
  Email:         
  Comment: 
                 
 
       

           


 

 
 
 
      ©  2011 The Epidemiology Monitor

Privacy  Terms of Use  Sitemap

Digital Smart Tools, LLC