Austria: Half of new infections due to British Corona variant

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In Austria, the British variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (B.1.1.7) was confirmed for the first time in four people on January 3, according to the Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES). In the meantime, this mutation has spread widely and is responsible for almost half of the new infections in Austria due to its easier infection. However, according to the AGES variant report, there has recently been a decrease from 61.2 to 48.3 percent.

B.1.1.7 accounted for the majority of infections
In calendar week 9 (February 28 to March 6), more than 60 percent of Corona infections were still attributable to the British mutations; in calendar week 10 (March 8 to 14), the figure was only 48.3 percent.

However, B.1.1.7 still accounted for the majority of infections. Those currently infected with coronavirus are dealing with B.1.1.7 in most cases. The South African variant (B.1.351) accounts for only 0.3 percent in Austria (week 10), compared with 0.6 percent before that (week 9).

In Germany, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the British variant already accounts for more than 70 percent, a reason for continued tightened measures. About one and a half months ago, it was still six percent. One reason for the rapid spread: B.1.1.7 is more contagious.

According to new studies from Great Britain and the USA, the variant multiplies 35 percent more than the conventional coronavirus. A current study from Switzerland comes to an increase of 50 percent. First studies had still come on 50 to 70 per cent.

Mortality risk 55 percent higher
Two studies by British researchers also conclude that B.1.1.7 is more deadly than the original virus. Scientists at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine reported an increased risk of death of at least 55 percent. Researchers at the University of Exeter came up with a risk that was about 64 percent higher.

A Danish study looked at hospitalization after Corona infection. According to that study, B.1.1.7 increases the likelihood of having to be treated in the hospital by 64 percent.

The good news is that vaccination can stop B.1.1.7. All vaccines available in Austria protect against contracting the British variant, according to the German RKI.