UK COVID-19 Strain Is 70% Deadlier Than Original Strain

According to a new report published on February 2nd by the UK government's scientists, the COVID-19 strain originating from the United Kingdom is likely to kill people faster than the original strain.

The scientists estimated that the new virus strain, known as B.1.1.7, could be lethal at rates ranging from 30% to 70%, compared to the original virus.

Studies have shown that the UK COVID-19 strain is more contagious. Last month, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated that it could also be "associated with higher mortality."

A recent review has further confirmed that concern. However, the scientists also say that more extensive studies will be needed on the deaths.

Meanwhile, this variant is more contagious and has been spread around the world. It has been discovered in at least 82 countries, as stated by The New York Times.

In particular, a study published earlier this month found that the UK variant was spreading so rapidly across the United States, at such a high rate that the number of cases had doubled about every ten days.

These findings suggest that B.1.1.7 is likely to become the dominant variant in many US states by March 2021, leading to a further sharp increase of cases in the US unless emergency efforts are made immediately.

The study also found that the UK variant was 35% to 45% more contagious than other strains that spread in the UK. Scientists have also expressed concern that the variant may be developing a mutation that will help it avoid vaccines.

It remains unclear why the UK variant could have a higher mortality rate. One possible reason is that people infected with the virus may have a higher viral load, or more viruses, in the body, scientists say.

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