All viruses mutate over time, and Sars-CoV-2, which has become known worldwide as the new coronavirus, is no exception. He has mutated thousands of times since he was first identified more than a year ago.
From time to time, a virus mutates in a way that helps it survive and reproduce. This may have happened with a new variant of the coronavirus emerging in California.
People have tested positive for COVID-19 with this new variant in 12 counties so far, including Los Angeles, Riverside, San Francisco, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego, Humboldt, Lake, Mono, Monterey, San Luis Obisbo and also San Clara County , where it has been linked to outbreaks.
The researchers are trying to determine whether the new variant is more infectious than the current dominant strain.
“These viruses are very intelligent and are known to mutate,” said Karin Michels, head of epidemiology at the School of Public Health at UCLA Fielding.
The variant contains mutations in the spike protein, which viruses use to attack cell walls, said Michels. The two COVID-19 vaccines on the market, manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna, train the body’s immune system to attack the spike protein.
“We are facing the first significant mutation of this virus now. Fortunately, it looks like he mutated in a way that the current vaccine still protects from this new variant, ”said Michels.
But if the virus remains uncontrolled, it will mutate more quickly, she said, potentially in a way that current vaccines can not protect against.
“It may be another variant in development now, which will not be captured and covered by our vaccine. That’s why it’s so important to get people vaccinated as soon as possible, ”said Michels.
The new mutation is different from the highly contagious strain first discovered in the UK, which also concerns public health officials. The US federal government warned that the British variant could become the dominant strain in this country in March.
If that happens, hospitals may be overwhelmed with a rapid increase in new COVID-19 cases.
Michels said you are worried.
“We are racing against the clock. Who will win, us or the virus? ”
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