Some of the top scientists in the US are studying a new strain of COVID-19 that has appeared in the UK and seems to be more contagious.
Scientists at the Walter Reed Army Research Institute are examining the new coronavirus mutation to see if it could be resistant to the new vaccines that are currently being distributed in America, according to a new report.
Dr. Nelson Michael, director of the infectious disease research center at the institute, told CNN that there is currently no indication that the inoculations will be ineffective. “It is clear that this mutation is not a threat, but it is never known. We still have to be diligent and keep looking, “Michael told the network on Sunday.
It is also unclear whether the morphic strain is more lethal or causes more severe symptoms.
Scientists Walter Reed began studying the genetic sequences of the new strain on Thursday, which was posted online by British researchers. “The analysis will allow us to assess how much care we should take. Other teams around the world are doing this analysis, “Michael told CNN.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday: “There is no evidence to suggest that the vaccine will be less effective against the new variant. Our experts will continue to work to improve our understanding as quickly as we can. “
Viruses always evolve in an attempt to spread further – and in many cases, the easier they are to catch, the less deadly they are. For example, the flu is constantly changing, which is why flu vaccines are changed every year.
In addition, new strains of COVID-19 have been observed, which was first discovered in China since the virus first appeared in Wuhan about a year ago.
But the fact that the virus is changing, just as vaccines are being distributed to target it, has some concerns. “Health experts in the UK and the US have said the strain appears to be more easily infected than others, but there is no evidence that it is more deadly,” the Associated Press reported on Sunday.
Patrick Vallance, the British government’s chief scientific adviser, told the PA that the new strain “is moving fast and becoming the dominant option”.
“I’m definitely worried about that,” Dr. Ravi Gupta, who studies viruses at Cambridge University in England, told the news agency.
But Dr. Vivek Murthy, whom Joe Biden used to be a general surgeon (and who also worked as a general surgeon), seemed less bothered.
Appearing on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Murthy said: “This news from the UK is about a strain of virus that … appears to be more transmissible and contagious than the virus we saw circulating before This one.”
“Although it appears to be more easily transmitted, we do not yet have evidence that it is a more deadly virus for a person who acquires it,” Murthy added.
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