'Even a headache could be this mutation': Preston residents urged to 'get tested' as new Covid-19 mutation found in borough

People living in Preston and West Lancashire have been alerted to the new mutation after cases of it were picked up in these areas specifically.

Public Health England North West has now confirmed that 40 cases of the E484K mutation have been found in Merseyside, Warrington, Preston and West Lancashire.

And residents in those areas are now being asked to get tested if they are feeling unwell in general - not just if they are displaying the symptoms of Covid-19 outlined by the World Health Organisation.

The news comes amid fears that the new mutation can ‘escape the body’s antibodies’, therefore becoming a growing public health concern.

Symptoms of the new mutation also include mild flu or cold symptoms, and headaches.

Dr Will Welfare, Incident Director for PHE and Deputy Director for Health Protection at PHE North West, said: “Public Health England has identified 40 cases COVID-19 which genomic sequencing has shown to feature the spike protein mutation E484K, in the North West.

“These cases have been identified across Merseyside, Warrington and parts of Lancashire – specifically West Lancashire and Preston.

“PHE is monitoring the situation closely and all necessary public health interventions are being undertaken, including enhanced contact tracing and control measures.

“The best way to stop the spread of the virus is to follow the basic measures – wash our hands, wear a face covering and keep our distance from others. Whilst in lockdown, it is important that we also stay at home where possible.”

According to Public Health England, "laboratory tests have shown that the E484K mutation may be able to escape the body’s antibodies to some extent and is therefore of potential public health concern, so it’s one we’re monitoring closely.

"All cases with this mutation are currently being followed-up closely and monitored in the UK."

Lancashire County Council has announced that they 'ramping up testing' by deploying extra mobile testing units in the affected areas.

Fylde Borough Council has also introduced more availability at two mobile testing sites at Rawstorne Sports Centre and William Segar Hodgson Pavilion.

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.

"It doesn't matter if you don't have the three classic symptoms of 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.

"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."

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