According to one research – the new COVID-19 mutation seems even more contagious – and experts say it could be a response to the virus to defeat masks and other social-distance efforts.
In a paper published Wednesday, scientists identified a new strain of the virus during the second wave in the Houston area of Texas.999.9 percent of cases, the Washington Post reported Wednesday.
The paper, which has not been peer-reviewed, said stressed people, known as D614G mutations, had higher levels of the virus – indicating they were more contagious.
Although the strain is not more lethal, the researchers said it appears to be more conducive to spreading to humans.
The findings suggest the virus could become more contagious and this could “affect our ability to control it,” said David Morens, a virologist at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
He said the virus may have evolved to resist efforts such as hand washing and social exclusion.
“Wearing a mask, washing our hands, all those things are barriers to transmissibility or infection, but the virus becomes more contagious, so it’s statistically better to overcome those barriers,” Morens told the newspaper.
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