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Professor S, Čaplinskas wrote:
“A South African strain of the new coronavirus has been identified in Lithuania B.1.351. What is already known about her?
1. Is this variety spreading faster?
Yes.
2. It is the new B.1.351. strain causes a more serious COVID-19 disease?
It is not yet clear.
3. They are infected B.1.351. variety has a higher risk of death?
It is not yet clear. Some preliminary data suggest that this is the case.
4. Does relapse COVID-19 protect against infection B.1.351. change?
No, it does not protect. Unfortunately, getting sick (in addition to getting vaccinated) can re-infect a new strain and get sick.
5. Can current PCR tests detect this strain of virus?
Yes. Most PCR tests use multiple targets to detect the virus, so even if the mutation affects one of the targets, the other PCR targets will still work.
6. Are the vaccines currently used in the EU effective against B.1.351. varieties?
Recent data suggests that one of the spike protein mutations (E484K) may affect the neutralization of some polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, making the vaccines less effective. Because currently approved vaccines elicit a broad immune response involving many antibodies and cells, they will still provide some protection. Mutation data will continue to be collected and analyzed to enable vaccine manufacturers to improve vaccines and, if necessary, change the composition of vaccines. Revaccination may be necessary.
7. Can the vaccine affect the spread of this and other new strains of the virus?
Yes. Increased human vaccination will reduce virus circulation, leading to fewer mutations.
8. If B.1.351. variety in Lithuania need a stricter quarantine?
I do not believe it. The ways in which the African strain of the virus spreads are the same, so the protective measures for the population do not change: distance, masks, hand hygiene, preventive tests and vaccinations.
9. When B.1.351. variety has come to Lithuania?
No exact data are available. Although molecular diagnostic tests in Lithuania can be performed by more than ten laboratories, sequencing tests have started late, samples are not selected according to epidemiological criteria, so it is not possible to say how, when, from where. and where the virus spreads and spreads. The results of sequencing studies to date have not answered key epidemiological questions (how, when, where and where has the virus spread and spread?) And therefore do not contribute enough to more effective management of the pandemic.
10. Is it necessary to strengthen border controls?
There is no need. The virus is already in Lithuania.
Sources: WHO, CDC, ECDC. “
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