The coronavirus variant that appeared in the United Kingdom is probably more deadly than the original strain, according to a new assessment published on Friday by British government scientists.
In the report, which evaluated several studies, the scientists estimated that the strain, known as B.1.1.7, could be 30% to 70% more deadly than the original virus.
Studies have already shown that the strain in the UK is more transmissible, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced last month that it could be “associated with a higher degree of mortality”.
The assessment confirmed this concern, but scientists also said there should be more extensive studies on deaths.
Meanwhile, the more contagious variant has circulated around the world and in the United States. It has been detected in at least 82 countries, according to New York Times. A study published earlier this month found that the British version was spreading so fast in the US that the number of cases involving that strain doubled about every ten days.
“These findings show that B.1.1.7 is likely to become the dominant option in many US states by March 2021, leading to further increases in COVID-19 in the country, unless urgent mitigation efforts are immediately implemented.” , it is said in the newspaper.
The study also said that the British version is 35% to 45% more transmissible than other strains that spread in the US. Scientists have also expressed concern that the variant could develop a mutation that would help prevent vaccines.
It is not yet clear why the UK option may have a higher mortality rate. The scientists said a possible reason is that people who become infected with it could have a higher viral load or more virus in their bodies, which is linked to more severe COVID-19, Insider reported.
This article was originally published by Business Insider.
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