Following Delta, the World Health Organization has confirmed the presence of another variant of Covid-19, the so-called "Mu" variant. This variant was added to the list of mutations on August 30 after its presence was confirmed in 39 countries. Experts' concern about the new strain of the virus is that it may partially circumvent the immunity created in people who have passed the infection or have been vaccinated.
Identified for the first time in January in Colombia, the WHO has classified 'Mu' as an "option of interest", expressing concern that mutations in the virus could make it immune to vaccines, but adding that more studies are needed. better understood.
Currently, scientists are "eager" to know if this variant is more contagious than Delta, if it causes more serious symptoms or a higher number of fatalities.
All viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 which causes Covid-19, mutate over time. Some of them can also affect the properties of the virus, such as how quickly it spreads, the behavior of the most severe forms of the disease, resistance to vaccines, drugs and other preventive measures.
At least 32 cases of the Mu variant have been confirmed in the UK and it is believed that the infection in most cases has come from trips from abroad and mainly to people in their 20s. Some of those who tested positive for "Mu" were fully or partially vaccinated.
Source: The Guardian
