The first case of COVID-19 Pirola variant recorded in Ukraine: how to recognize the symptoms

The first case of a new sub-variant of the Omicron coronavirus variant called Pyrola has been laboratory-confirmed. A 20-year-old man in the Rivne region fell ill with it.

The Pirola case was identified through sequencing. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Health.

"In each region, specialists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention take samples to test strains and study emerging mutations. Sequencing allows us to track the existing variants and the nature of mutations to take prompt action in case of an increase in cases and to formulate a further approach to treatment," said Deputy Minister of Health, Chief State Sanitary Doctor Ihor Kuzin.

A new sub-variant of the virus (BA.2.86) called Pirola was first detected in Israel in the summer, and then it was detected in the United States, Denmark and the United Kingdom.

Kuzin clarified that although the symptoms and clinical manifestations of the Pirola sub-variant did not show any special differences from previous strains of COVID-19, this virus is more likely to affect weakened immunity due to a large number of mutations.

In this regard, even previously vaccinated people can get sick, but the vaccine reduces the risk of complications.

It should be added that the symptoms of the Pirola sub-variant are the same as those of other COVID-19 variants:

• runny nose;
• fever;
• cough;
• headache;
• fatigue;
• loss of sense of smell or taste;
• possible eye irritation;
• rashes.

Earlier, a new sub-variant of the Omicron COVID variant, known as Arcturus, was detected in the Dubno district of the Rivne region. This sub-variant, which was first detected in India in January 2023, is currently spreading rapidly around the world.

Earlier, it was reported that a new variant of coronavirus, Eris, is spreading in Ukraine, which is a subspecies of the already well-known Omicron. Patients with the new variant have been reported in six regions of the country: Dnipro, Zakarpattia, Sumy, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, and Chernivtsi regions.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, those who frequently attend public places such as work, shops, gyms, entertainment events, catering establishments and public transport are most likely to get sick during the flu and SARS season. Since the virus is transmitted by airborne droplets, hand hygiene, distancing and avoiding touching mucous membranes with your hands will help prevent infection.

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