The British coronavirus variant could be more deadly than the original strain, possibly up to 70 percent, scientists say

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  • A coronavirus variant that originated in the UK is known to be more transferable.
  • Now scientists say the B.1.1.7 variety is likely more deadly than the original species.
  • The variant is spreading across the US and to at least 82 other countries.

The coronavirus variant that originated in the UK is likely to be more deadly than the original strain, according to a new assessment released by British government scientists on Friday.

In the report, which evaluated multiple 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 British species is more transmissible and Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced last month that it may also be “associated with a higher rate of mortality.”
Read more: What’s Next for COVID-19 Vaccines? Here’s the latest on 11 leading programs.

The review confirmed those concerns, but the scientists also said more comprehensive studies of deaths should be conducted.

Meanwhile, the more contagious variety is circulating around the world and the US. According to The New York Times, it has been discovered in at least 82 countries. A study published earlier this month found that the British variety spread across the US so quickly that the number of cases involving that species doubled every ten days.

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“These findings show that B.1.1.7 is likely to become the dominant variety in many US states by March 2021, leading to further COVID-19 in the country unless urgent action is taken to mitigate the consequences, ”the paper said.

The study also said the British variety is 35% to 45% more transmittable than other species that are spreading in the US. Scientists have also expressed concern that the variant could develop a mutation that would help it bypass vaccines. It is not yet clear why the British variant may have a higher mortality rate. Scientists have said one possible reason is that people who become infected with it may have a higher viral load, or more of the virus in their bodies, which is linked to more serious COVID-19, Insider reported.

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