Viruses are constantly evolving, including the novel coronavirus caused by a global epidemic. But a type of outbreak in south-east England in September is of particular concern, leading to a crisis. Christmas Lockdown in London and Countries Including It Canada, France and Germany Stop flights and suspend rail links.
Why is this change worrisome?
In a strain known as the “B1.1..7 lineage”, the virus has caused about a dozen genetic mutations that have been emerging since late 2019 in Wuhan, China – more than commonly seen. It involves changes in the main areas of the virus involved in the ability to infect people. Preliminary analysis in the UK suggests it could be as much It is 70% more transmissible than other rotating SARS-CoV-2 varieties and may contribute to spikes in country cases. Maria Van Kerkov, Technical Lead at the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 On 20 December the BBC reported that the WHO was working with other human behavioral factors transmitting the virus to understand how the virus spreads more easily. He is also seeing that the mutation causes a more severe illness and can avoid antibodies produced by vaccination.
2. What is known about when it came out?
Two ancient well-known specimens were collected Cases continued to be found in London in late September and near Kent, and in early December. One reason for the spread of the new variant was that its emergence was traditionally associated with the festive season tu associated with a growing family and social mix. Scientists have hypothesized that stress can be caused by a virus infection from an acutely infected patient.
3. How fast does it spread?
As of December 15, 1,623 virus samples were identified as belonging to the B.1.1.7 lineage. Of these, 91 51 were collected from patients in Greater London, the UK5 in Kent and 5 both5 patients in other regions of the UK, including both Scotland and Wales. Cases have also been identified Denmark, this The Netherlands, Belgium and Australia Australia. Just from About 10% of SARS-CoV-2 samples from UK patients undergo genetic sequencing, the number of known cases being lower than the true number of infections. Infection rate in the area where the strain spreads A faster increase than expected, Public Health England said on 20 December, an additional analysis found that it had a higher transmission rate than other types of circulation. Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at the University of Medicine in Norwich, East Anglia, told the Science Media Center that the new variant was responsible. In the week ending December 9, London accounted for 62% of SARS-Cowi-2 infections, and early November for 28%.
Other. How many other changes are there?
Viruses are constantly changing through changes that arise naturally as they mimic their hosts and move around. As a result of this ongoing process, many thousands of changes and distinctions The SARS-Covy-2 genome has already been bred since the virus emerged in late 2019. As mutations increase, different types of novels become more and more common, with most of the mutations having no obvious effect on the virus. However, scientists pay the most attention to such changes as the new UK. The strain contains a gene that encodes the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which is associated with viral penetration into cells and influences the immune system and vaccine efficacy.
Will. Will the vaccine still be effective?
The extent to which SARS-CoV-2 can evolve to prevent infection or induced immunity by vaccination is not currently known. Studies are ongoing to better understand it. Van Kerkov of the WHO The BBC said existing information suggests that the new variant has no effect on vaccinations. Over time, as more changes occur, vaccines may need to change. This happens with the seasonal flu, which changes every year, and the vaccine is adjusted accordingly. Unlike the flu, coronaviruses have a proof-reading mechanism which means they do not mutate as fast as the flu virus. Covid-19 vaccines that may prove effective in trials so far Tweak easily if necessary, BMJ Medical Journal reports Dec. 16.
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