Harianjogja.com, JAKARTA – The new Corona virus variant found in the UK is reported to contain 23 nucleotide substitutions or mutations. The emergence of this virus mutant caused concern not only in the UK, but around the world.
Labeled SARS-CoV-2 VOC 202012/01, this new variant of the corona virus was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on 14 December. Subsequently, on 26 December, a new variant was identified from routine sampling and genome testing across the UK.
Reporting from Express UK, Monday (4/1/2021) preliminary findings indicate that the new variant is more contagious. Meanwhile, so far there has been no change in disease severity, as measured by length of stay and cases of patient death over the past 28 days.
To date, there is no concern that SARS-CoV-2 VOC 202012/01 is more likely to re-infect people than other circulating variants of the coronavirus. But what is clear, this variant has spread to various countries and has been reported in 31 other countries.
Another Corona Variant
In August 2020, WHO reported a new coronavirus variant linked to infection among mink, which then transmits the virus to humans. Identified in Denmark, this variant has a combination of mutations not previously observed.
Preliminary studies suggest this variant may result in decreased viral neutralization in humans. The WHO says this has the potential to reduce the duration of immune protection after infection or natural vaccinations.
In addition, in mid-December, new variants circulating in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Kwazulu-Natal South Africa were announced. Initial investigations provide information that this coronavirus is associated with a higher viral load.
This means there is the potential for more transmission to raise the same concerns as in the UK. However, to date, there is no clear evidence related to more severe disease in patients.
Why are there many variants of the corona virus?
Doctor Jeremy Ross, contributor to Science Focus, confirmed that the virus mutates. However, he continued, most of the mutations will not have a significant impact on the virus or disease it causes.
According to him, mutations can occur at any time. He even said that for the size of the virus, SARS-CoV-2 mutated very slowly. Therefore, it is likely that the available vaccines will continue to be effective.
“Possible treatments [vaksin] new will remain effective. And it’s also likely the virus won’t change dramatically over the coming months, “he said.
However, Ross highlighted the importance of ending the pandemic because the longer the virus continues to circulate, the more likely it is that new mutations will occur. WHO is also keeping a close eye on the new coronavirus as some mutations allow for greater growth.
Source: JIBI / Bisnis Indonesia
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