Variant BA.2.86 was detected through genetic sequencing, although only a handful of such sequences have been reported. The first was reported in Israel, followed by Denmark and the US.
Now the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed a detection in Britain, making it the fifth such sequence worldwide to be reported.
"We are aware that BA.2.86 has been detected in the UK. UKHSA is assessing the situation and will provide further information in due course," said Dr Meera Chand, deputy director at UKHSA.
The World Health Organization announced on Thursday that it was designating it a "variant under monitoring". The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it was keeping a close eye on it after it was discovered in Michigan.
It is unclear whether it causes more severe disease than previous variants, or whether it will become the dominant form of the virus.
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