Covid-19 Changed Again

While you were out partying, traveling and shopping, Covid-19 decided to change into something fancier, yet again. Covid-19 new strain has been discovered in South Africa and England. However, this new Covid-19 strain found in England seems to be spreading faster where cases are rising [1]. This has raised a lot of concerns worldwide and some countries have banned international flights from several countries till further notice. The new strain found in England is called B.1.1.7 or VUI-202012/01 (the first “variant under investigation” in December 2020) [1]. Normally, viruses mutate all the time. Mutation is a change in the virus genetic sequence [2]. Some new variants die out while others trigger dramatic changes. So this is not anything new.

So why the big fuss about this particular new strain you may ask? This B.1.1.7 is different from the original Covid-19 virus in that it is more infectious and spreads more easily between people. There has been previous mutations of Covid-19. We just did not hear about it because it was found not to be transmissible like this B.1.1.7. The World Health Organization in collaboration with other scientists are busy analyzing available data to have a better understanding of this new strain and if it is dangerous or not [3]. With the new Covid-19 vaccine being rolled out, some are wondering if the vaccine will still be effective. Scientists are working in the laboratory, growing the new strain to see how it will react to the vaccine and if it will produce the same antibody response [3]. We shall all find out the verdict in two weeks once these scientists complete the process.

In the meantime, while we wait to find out more on this B.1.1.7, we should respect and follow the preventive measures implemented. If not, as the number of infected cases rises, it gives room for the Covid-19 to mutate again. Next time, we just do not know what we shall get. It might be dangerous and deadly. So please, keep calm and continue to protect each other.

References

1. Kupferschmidt, K. (2020). Mutant coronavirus in the United Kingdom sets off alarms, but its importance remains unclear. Retrieved 22 December 2020, from https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/12/mutant-coronavirus-united-kingdom-sets-alarms-its-importance-remains-unclear

2. What happens if COVID-19 mutates?. (2020). Retrieved 22 December 2020, from https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/what-happens-if-covid-19-mutates

3. Reporters, T. (2020). What is the new Covid-19 strain and will it respond to the vaccine?. Retrieved 22 December 2020, from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/12/19/new-covid-19-strain-will-respond-vaccine/