New COVID-19 Symptoms: Is Pink Eye a Warning Sign of This Deadly Variant? Here's Everything You Need to Know

• Image Credit: Google

• Nov 18, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Pirola, a mutation of the Omicron variant, first emerged in July, showing visible facial symptoms such as...

Digital Desk: The coronavirus, ever since its emergence in 2019, has continually evolved, posing new challenges to global health. From the original strain to the 'deadly delta,' and then the milder Omicron variant, the virus has kept the world on its toes. Now, a new variant named BA.2.86, also known as Pirola, has surfaced, bringing with it changed symptoms that have caught the attention of health experts.

Pirola, a mutation of the Omicron variant, first emerged in July, showing visible facial symptoms such as eye irritation or pink eye and a distinctive skin rash. In addition to these external signs, the variant also affects the upper respiratory tract, impacting both the nose and voice box. While authorities haven't reported alarming cases, health experts emphasize the need for vigilance and proactive measures.

Dr. Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), stressed that virus mutations are expected, especially in the face of high case rates, signaling that the pandemic is far from over. She underlined the importance of accelerating the vaccination drive, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children.

"The public health advice is the same for all current variants. Get vaccinated, and, for those eligible, come forward for your third or booster dose as appropriate as soon as you are called. Continue to exercise caution. Wear a mask in crowded spaces, and when meeting people indoors, open windows and doors to ventilate the room. If you have symptoms, take a PCR test and isolate at home until you receive a negative result," advised Dr. Harries.

To combat the Pirola strain, the UK has initiated a vaccination drive, with no significant increase in cases reported thus far. The common symptoms associated with this variant include a cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and an altered sense of smell. Health experts highlight that, in addition to these common signs, Pirola can be identified by its distinctive facial symptoms, marking a shift in the virus's behavior.

As the world faces yet another evolution of the coronavirus, the emphasis remains on vaccination, caution, and public health measures. The emergence of Pirola serves as a reminder that the fight against the pandemic is ongoing, requiring continuous adaptation and resilience from individuals and health systems alike.

Source: India.com