Four new variants or strains of the novel coronavirus has drawn global attention – one was first identified in the U.K., the other in South Africa, the third in Brazil, and the fourth in Denmark.
Virus mutations aren’t a new phenomenon nor is it specific to COVID-19.
“Viruses constantly change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time. Sometimes new variants emerge and disappear. Other times, new variants emerge and start infecting people,” the CDC explains on their website. “Multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been documented in the United States and globally during this pandemic.”
The Brazil variant was discovered in Brazil as early as July of last year. The first case of infection from this particular variant in the U.S. was identified in Minnesota on Monday (January 25). According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the case involved “a Minnesota resident with recent travel history to Brazil.”
The U.K. variant, on the other hand, was first identified in September in Southern England – it’s since been found in over 50 countries. It is also believed to be more contagious than the original virus – and is believed to have caused the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases in the U.K. in November.
Cases of the U.K. variant was found in several states in the U.S. in early January, and according to a model forecast released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in early January, this more contagious variant could become the dominant strain in the United States by March.
The South Africa variant was found in South Africa in October. The country’s health minister announced that the strain seemed to affect young people more than previous strains. The variant has been found in more than 20 countries, but not in the United States.
While studies are still being conducted in order to better understand how the mutations have affected the COVID-19 virus, according to BBC, there’s so far been no evidence that any of them are causing much more serious illness compared to the original virus. However, they could be more contagious due to their mutations, which has affected the spike protein – the part of the virus which attaches to human cells.
A fourth variant, the Denmark variant, was first discovered in March, and has since been found in cases in the U.S. – it’s been linked to outbreaks at nursing homes, jails and a hospital in San Jose, California as well as found in other states. However, it’s not yet clear how the virus differs from the original in terms of transmission or lethality.
Meanwhile, last week, Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center identified two new COVID strains, one of which is now the dominant strain in cases in Columbus, Ohio.
According to the researchers, via their press release, this new “Columbus strain” likely originated in the U.S. and contains a mutation identical to the “U.K. strain.” However, it also includes “three other gene mutations not previously seen together in SARS-CoV2.”
“This new Columbus strain has the same genetic backbone as earlier cases we’ve studied, but these three mutations represent a significant evolution,” Dr. Dan Jones, lead author of the study, said.
Although the current vaccines are formulated based on the original virus, scientists believe that available vaccines will continue to be effective – however, it could be in a diminished capacity against some.
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the incoming director for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, remains “optimistic” that current coronavirus vaccines will still work against the new variants that have been discovered.
“I’m really optimistic about how these variants are going to go,” Dr. Walensky told the JAMA Network. “I could be wrong. It could be that we’ll find variants and variants may emerge … where the vaccine is less potent, but I’m still currently optimistic.”
In the meantime, health experts continue to urge everyone to practice more immediate measure to curb the spread of COVID-19, such as avoiding large indoor gatherings, wearing masks, practicing physical distancing and using other public health measures.
Take care and stay safe, everyone!
