World / New UK coronavirus strain has now spread to 50 countries, territories: WHO

London: Amidst concerns over new COVID-19 variants, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said that new UK coronavirus mutant strain has now spread to 50 countries. While a similar South African-identified strain has now been reported in 20 countries, the WHO added that a third new coronavirus "variant of concern" detected in Japan needs further probe.

"The more the SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads, the more opportunities it has to change. High levels of transmission mean that we should expect more variants to emerge," said the UN body.

Notably, SARS-CoV-2 is the virus which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The British-identified variant VOC 202012/01 was first reported to the WHO on December 14, 2020. So far, it has spread to 50 countries, territories and areas, said the agency.

As per test results, age and sex distribution were same as that of other circulating variants. However, contact tracing data found out "higher transmissibility (secondary attack rates) where the index case has the variant strain".

First reported on December 18, the South African-identified variant 501Y.V2 has now been found in 20 countries, territories and areas.

"From preliminary and ongoing investigations in South Africa, it is possible that the 501Y.V2 variant is more transmissible than variants circulating in South Africa previously," said the WHO weekly report.

"Moreover, while this new variant does not appear to cause more severe illness, the observed rapid increases in case numbers have placed health systems under pressure."

In the meantime, on January 9, the agency was informed about a new variant found in four travellers - two adults and two children - arriving in Japan from Brazil.

"This variant has 12 mutations to the spike protein, including three mutations of concern in common with VOC 202012/01 and 501Y.V2" it said, adding "which may impact transmissibility and host immune response".

"The extent and public health significance of these new variants require further investigation," the report added.