The Virus Has Mutated: Major COVID-19 Strains We Should Worry About
The mutations of the COVID-19 virus are not a surprise for experts
What they worry about are mutations that make things difficult for us
And so far, six variants possessed substantial mutations, which favored the coronavirus
The most popular strain is the VOC 202012/01 or the UK variant
It was identified on December 14 and deemed with up to 70% higher transmissibility rate than the original virus
This variant has reached at least a dozen countries worldwide that pushed governments to bring back lockdowns
While more infectious, current evidence doesn't support the variant of being deadlier than the original
The next concerning strain is the 501Y.V2 or the South African variant detected on December 18
The strain mutated separately from the UK variant but also linked to higher transmissibility
The concern is the variant's capability to shake off COVID-19 vaccines based on scientific models
Still, experts expect current vaccines to work against the variant
On November 5, 2020, the WHO received reports of people infected by variants from minks
Twelve cases were confirmed unique
The variant is called Cluster 5 that has a combination of mutations unknown before
This strain is suggested to reduce the body's ability to neutralize COVID-19
In China, a mutation called D614G emerged between late January and early February last year
It replaced the original strain and became the dominant virus form circulating worldwide
Like the UK and South African variants, D614G is suggested more infectious and transmissible but not observed to cause severe COVID-19
Just several days after the New Year, Japan confirmed a new strain of the coronavirus
It was detected in four individuals from Brazil's Amazonas state
One was hospitalized due to worsening respiratory problems, another experienced headache and sore throat, and a third was found with fever
However, the fourth individual showed no symptoms
The variant belongs to the B.1.1.248 strain, and according to CNBC, it has 12 mutations in the spike protein
Scientists at Japan's NIID said the new strain is different from the spreading UK and South African variants
The US CDC mentions another variant in Nigeria
Preliminary findings don't associate the variant with higher transmission or severe COVID-19
Scientists clarified that the dubs used are not to blame any country
The unofficial names are just to mention where the strains were found
As such, Brazil, South Africa, and the UK are not accountable for spreading the variants
The coronavirus happens to be widespread and successfully mutated due to exposure to numerous factors