New coronavirus symptoms people need to look out for after mutation found in UK

A mutation of coronavirus initially detected in Liverpool has been found in Preston and West Lancashire, health officials say.
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A mutation of coronavirus initially detected in Liverpool has been found in Preston and West Lancashire, health officials say.

People living in those areas are being urged to take a Covid-19 test if they are feeling unwell – with symptoms including a cold, mild flu and headaches.

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Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, director of public health and wellbeing at Lancashire County Council, said: “If you live in Preston or West Lancashire and you’re feeling under the weather, please get a Covid test.

District nurses Rebecca McKenzie (R) and Emma Fiello leave the house of 86-year-old patient (Photo by Daniel Leal-Olivas - Pool/Getty Images)District nurses Rebecca McKenzie (R) and Emma Fiello leave the house of 86-year-old patient (Photo by Daniel Leal-Olivas - Pool/Getty Images)
District nurses Rebecca McKenzie (R) and Emma Fiello leave the house of 86-year-old patient (Photo by Daniel Leal-Olivas - Pool/Getty Images)

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t have the three classic symptoms of a fever, loss of taste or smell, or a cough – even a headache could be an indication you may have this mutation.

“Understandably, some residents may be concerned but all viruses mutate over time so this should not cause any further alarm. Alongside our partners, please rest assured that we are monitoring the situation closely. It is important to stress that there is currently no evidence that this mutation alone causes more severe illness or is more transmissible.

“The best way to control the spread is for everyone to continue to abide by the lockdown rules and following the simple steps of washing your hands, using a face covering and making space from each other.

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“While Covid has been here for a while now, these new variants remind us that we all need to keep doing what we can to stay safe and avoid spreading Covid to each other.”

Public Health Officials are urging anyone experiencing the following symptoms to get a PCR test for the virus.

- Diarrhoea

- A persistent headache

- Fever and chills

- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

- Fatigue

- Muscle or body aches

- Sore throat

- Congestion or runny nose

- Nausea or vomiting

On Tuesday, Public Health England said the Liverpool cases involved the E484K mutation of the virus, but was not a new variant.

A cluster of an initial five cases was detected on January 10 among staff at Liverpool Women’s Hospital who had attended an event outside the hospital, believed to be a funeral.