Where has the Lambda variant been found in the UK?
NEW VARIANTS continue to affect the UK one of the latest to reach our shores is the Lambda strain. So where in the UK has the Lambda variant been found?
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As Covid spreads across the world variants continue to crop up. The latest one to emerge is the new Lambda variant. So, what is this new variant, where did it originate and how big a threat is it to the UK?
A new variant could threaten to ruin the progress made by many countries in their fight against the virus.
A new mutation has emerged, this variant known as the Lambda variant has been attributed to a surge of cases in South America.
This troublesome variant has been concerning scientists who say it could be more infectious and resistant to vaccines.
So, where did this troublesome variant originate?
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The variant known to scientists as C.37 was first identified in Peru.
Testing has since revealed that this variant has been detected in samples dating back to as early as December 2020.
This variant has since become the dominant variant in Peru and across much of South America.
The Lambda variant now makes up 82 percent of all Covid cases detected in Peru and has spread to neighbouring countries such as Chile where it is now responsible for a third of all infections.
Variants have been highly disruptive to the UK in the past.
The Delta variant, which was first detected in India is now the dominant strain in the UK.
Concerns over this variant caused the government to delay the so-called “Freedom Day” for a month in June.
Whilst the Alpha variant first detected in Kent was responsible for the second wave of infections over the winter.
Could the Lambda variant pose a similar threat? Should Brits be worried about it?
Where has the Lambda variant been found in the UK?
Between February 23 and July 2 a total of eight cases have been identified in the UK.
But this is likely to be an underestimate, many more are thought to have gone undetected.
Most were identified in London as four cases were traced to the capital, one was from the South West and one was identified in the West Midlands.
All of these have been said to be linked to overseas travel.
The UK is one of 27 countries where the variant has been detected.
Although this is concerning none of these cases have lead to deaths within 28 days of a positive test.