Labeled SARS-CoV-2 VOC 202012/01, this variant of the coronavirus contains 23 nucleotide substitutions (ie, mutations). The disturbing mutant first appeared in southeastern England and has been spreading ever since.
On December 26, the new variant was identified from routine sampling and genomic tests carried out across the UK.
Preliminary findings suggest that it is more transmissible, which means it is more infectious.
So far, there has been no change in the severity of the disease – measured by the length of hospital stay and mortality of 28 days.
With that knowledge in mind, there is still time for data on the severity of this disease variant to change.
At the moment, there is no concern that SARS-CoV-2 COV 202012/01 is more likely to reinfect people compared to other circulating coronavirus variants.
However, it has certainly traveled all over the world, now reported in 31 other countries.
Other variants
The WHO reported in August 2020, a variant of SARS-CoV-2 was associated with infection among cultivated mink, which was later transmitted to humans.
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On December 18, a new variant in South Africa was announced, circulating in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
Early research has suggested that this coronavirus variant is associated with a “higher viral load”.
This means that there is potential for more transmissibility, that is, it can be more contagious.
For now, there is “no clear evidence” that it is associated with more serious illnesses or worse results.
Why are there so many variants of the coronavirus?
Dr. Jeremy Ross, writing for Science Focus, confirmed that viruses mutate.
“Most mutations will not have an impact on the virus or disease,” he said.
However, WHO is eyeing SARS-CoV-2 because some mutations allow “greater growth, transmissibility or escape from the immune system”.
“Mutations are possible at any time,” added Dr. Ross, but fortunately “SARS-CoV-2 mutates very slowly.”
Dr. Ross assured: “Because of that, it is likely that our new [vaccine] treatments will continue to be effective.
“[It’s also likely that] the behavior of the virus will not change dramatically in the coming months. “
However, Dr. Ross highlights the importance of ending the pandemic, as the longer the virus continues to circulate, the greater the chances of a new mutation.
How would you like the pandemic to end? Does it include national blockages, vaccinations and / or normal life-span? Please comment below.