Just when you thought COVID can’t possibly get any worse, it just did…
The World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring a new COVID-19 variant called “Mu”, which has mutations that have the potential to evade immunity provided by a previous COVID-19 infection or vaccination.
Photo NDTV.com
Mu, or also known by scientists as B.1.621 was added to the WHO’s list of variants “of interest” on August 30th.
Mu was first identified in Colombia in January and has mutations that indicate a risk of resistance to vaccines, however, further studies are needed to better understand this variant.
According to FMT, all viruses including the SARS-CoV-2 that caused COVID-19 to mutate over time, as well as most mutations, have little or no effect on the properties of the virus.
But certain mutations can impact the properties of a virus and influence how easily it spreads, the severity of the disease, and its resistance to vaccines, drugs and other countermeasures.
WHO currently identifies four COVID-19 variants of concern, including Alpha, which is present in 193 countries and Delta, present in 170 countries.
Five other variants, including Mu, are still being monitored.
After it was detected in Colombia, Mu has since been reported in other South American countries and in Europe.
WHO said its global prevalence has declined to below 0.1% among sequenced cases. In Colombia, however, it is at 39%.
Even after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, keep taking precautions to protect yourself, family and friends.
Posted by World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday, August 30, 2021
This is not over, guys. COVID-19 is still in our community!
Please remember to always follow SOPs, maintain physical distancing, wash your hands regularly and mask up!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
