Diarrhoea, eye irritation and rashes – New symptoms of Pirola Covid-19 variant

The symptoms have been added to the more common effects such as runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing and sore throat, according to the New Scientist.

The variant BA.2.86, which is being monitored due to its high number of mutations – over 30 in total – sparked concern when it appeared during the summer.

Two cases have now been sequenced in Ireland, but it is unclear how far it has spread.

There was concern it would lead to a surge in cases because it might be better able to get around protection from vaccines and previous infection.

However, while more real-world evidence is needed, particularly over the winter when cases will rise, the evidence so far is that Pirola is not causing more serious illness in comparison to other variants.

The latest bulletin on variants from Ireland’s disease watchdog, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), said it has been found in a number of countries although the prevalence is still relatively low.

“There does not appear to be evidence to date of increased transmissibility or impact on clinical severity,” it said.

The report shows XBB.1.5, known as the Kraken variant, makes up the majority of cases in Ireland, along with the Eris variant which is taking a strong foothold.

The number of confirmed cases in the first week of this month, based on very limited testing, remained stable.

The numbers with Covid-19 in hospital were also down yesterday to 251 from 335 two weeks ago. Of these, 15 were in intensive care, a fall from 19 a fortnight ago.

Most of these are incidental cases where a patient has the virus but is being treated for another illness.

Covid will continue to cause disruption to hospital services this winter, particularly if cases of flu and RSV also rise significantly.

The HSE has enforced a recruitment embargo for several staff, including junior doctors. However, workers such as hospital consultants and nurses are exempt.

The Covid autumn and winter booster vaccine is currently being rolled out. It is recommended for people aged 50 and over, while the flu vaccine is recommended for people aged 65 and over.

Both vaccines are recommended for health and care workers, anyone who is pregnant or has a long-term health condition.

Both vaccines are available from participating GPs and pharmacists and can be given at the same time. Health and care worker vaccination clinics are taking place in many workplaces across the country.

HSE vaccination teams will also provide both vaccines for people living in residential care facilities, including nursing homes as well as to housebound patients.