Virus much nastier

This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info. This would explain why the strain was able to make such an evolutionary leap, having about 50 genetic mutations. The Omicron variant was first identified in November and is believed to have originated in South Africa. The World Health Organisation listed it as a variant of concern two days later on November However, studies have suggested that though Omicron may be more transmissible than previous strains — accounting for the vast majority of infections in the UK now — it is less likely to cause severe illness.

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Close drawer menu Financial Times International Edition. The virus for Marek's disease is very virulent, but the virus causing avian influenza can be even worse. The vaccine against avian influenza is a leaky vaccine, according to Read. The research has implications for human health, as well. The World Health Organization recently reported laboratory-confirmed cases in China of human infection with the avian influenza virus, including a number of deaths.

If the next-generation vaccines are leaky, they could drive the evolution of more-virulent strains of the virus. The researchers recommend rigorous testing and vigilant monitoring of next-generation vaccines to prevent the runaway evolution of more-virulent strains of viruses that their research has confirmed can occur with leaky vaccines.

Read also recommends vaccination for individual protection. Those who are not vaccinated will be exposed, without any protection, to the hottest strains of a virus. Our research provides strong evidence for the importance of getting vaccinated. In addition to Read, other members of the research team include Susan J.