All viruses mutate over time, and Sars-CoV-2, which became known worldwide as the new coronavirus, is no exception. It has been mutated thousands of times since it was first identified more than a year ago.
Occasionally, a virus mutates in a way that helps it survive and reproduce. This may have happened with a new variant of the coronavirus emerging in California.
People have so far tested positive for COVID-19 with this new variant in 12 provinces, including Los Angeles, Riverside, San Francisco, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego, Humboldt, Lake, Mono, Monterey, San Luis Obisbo, and also San Clara County, where it has been linked to outbreaks.
Researchers are trying to determine if the new variant is more contagious than the current dominant strain.
“These viruses are pretty smart and are known to mutate,” said Karin Michels, president of epidemiology at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health.
The variant contains mutations in the ear protein, which the viruses use to attack cell walls, Michels said. The two COVID-19 vaccines on the market, manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna, train the body’s immune system to attack the ear protein.
‘We are currently facing the first major mutation of this virus. “Fortunately, it appears to have mutated in a way that still protects the current vaccine against this new variant,” Michels said.
But if the virus is not controlled, it will mutate faster, she said, possibly in a way similar to current vaccines can not protect against.
‘It could be another variant that is currently being developed, which is not caught and covered by our vaccine. That is why it is so important to vaccinate people as quickly as possible, ”said Michels.
The new mutation differs from the highly contagious strain first discovered in the UK, which also worries public health officials. The US federal government has warned that the British variant could become the dominant tribe in this country by March.
If that happens, hospitals could be overwhelmed by a rapid increase in new COVID-19 cases.
Michels said she was worried.
“We’re racing against the clock. Who is going to win, us or the virus? ”
READ MORE:
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Subscribe to our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate now.