COVID-19 Pirole in Ukraine: New sub-variant and its symptoms reported for the first time

Ukraine has registered its first case of the new sub-variant of the coronavirus Omicron, known as Pirola. The Ministry of Health of Ukraine has confirmed this case.

It is known that this case of Pyrola was detected in the Rivne region in a 20-year-old man. The diagnosis was made thanks to sequencing, a laboratory test that allows deciphering the genetic structure of the virus and identifying mutations in its genome.

The sub-variant of the Pirole virus (BA.2.86) was first detected in Israel in the summer, after which it was detected in the United States, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. The risk assessment of the new coronavirus strain, published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in August, indicates the need for each country to monitor the new strain.

Deputy Minister of Health and Chief State Sanitary Doctor Ihor Kuzin noted that despite the large number of Pirolya mutations, the symptoms of this sub-variant do not yet differ from those of previous COVID-19 strains. However, due to the large number of mutations, Pyrola can more effectively target weakened immune systems.

Vaccination remains the best measure to prevent severe disease. Ihor Kuzin emphasizes the importance of vaccination for those who have not yet completed the vaccination course, as well as for those at risk.

The symptoms of the Pirole sub-variant include:

Runny nose
Fever
Coughing
Headache
Fatigue
Loss of sense of smell or taste
Possible eye irritation and rashes

Over the past week, 9,480 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Ukraine and 45 Ukrainians have lost their lives, including one child under 4 years of age. The final data reminds us of the need to strengthen security measures and vaccination to prevent the spread of the virus, including new sub-variants such as Pirola.