Researchers identify 7 US-based coronavirus variants
The researchers said the variants, which they identified as Q677P, are related to each other.
ATLANTA – It is news that no one wants to hear, but the researchers say they have found at least seven new variants of the coronavirus – all based here in the United States.
In a post not reviewed by peers, the researchers said the variants are related to each other and identified them as Q677P. They think the original variant has mutated in at least six other ways. Cases have been found across the United States, but the variants appear to be concentrated in the south-central and south-western parts of the country.
The article mentions especially Lousiana and New Mexico, where in mid-January the Q677P variants could be found in 27.8% and 11.3% of the coronavirus tests verified for genomic sequencing.
Since only a small part of the COVID-19 tests are sent for genomic sequencing, experts say that we have probably only identified a part of these variant cases, including those of Q677P.
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Authorities have already warned of three other variants, one from the United Kingdom, one from South Africa and the third from Brazil. At least 37 cases of the UK variants have already been located here in Georgia. Health experts warn by the end of next month that the UK variant may represent the majority of COVID-19 cases in the United States.
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The researchers were concerned about the Q677P variants because it shows that the virus continues to evolve, looking for better ways to enter the body and spread. They are concerned that a mutation resistant to current vaccines or treatment methods may emerge. That is why they say that it is so important that people keep guard.
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