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Wednesday, March 31, 2021
“Spread of concern”
RKI: proportion of mutant B.1.1.7 at 88 percent
The British variant of the coronavirus B.1.1.7 is spreading rapidly in Germany. According to the RKI, the proportion of mutants is now almost 90 percent. In contrast, the South African and Manaus variants hardly play a role in Germany.
The highly contagious Corona B.1.1.7 variant, first discovered in Britain, has reached an 88 percent share in Germany. This was announced by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) with reference to the tests carried out last week. Their participation has continually increased. The spread of the variant is concerning because “based on prior knowledge, it is significantly more contagious and likely causes more severe disease courses than other variants.” Therefore, a further increase in Covid cases can be expected in clinics.
The increase in the total number of cases and the number of infections caused by B 1.1.7. will lead to a “significantly increasing” number of Covid-19 patients in clinics. According to current knowledge, all vaccines available in Germany protect very well against diseases caused by B.1.1.7 and also against serious diseases caused by two other variants, writes the RKI.
According to the RKI, these two virus variants currently play little role in Germany: variant B.1.351, which is widespread in South Africa, was detected in 0.8 percent of positive samples examined, and variant P. 1, which circulates widely. in Brazil, only 0.1 percent. Both variants can escape a bit of the immune system’s antibodies. Their turnout is so low because there is no immunity of the population in Germany, Berlin virologist Christian Drosten recently explained in an NDR podcast.
“These variants only appear if we already have immunity in the population. Otherwise, they will not benefit from their mutations.” However, according to Drosten, the vaccines protect against a severe course of Covid-19 in both cases.
