A common mutation of the new coronavirus seen in the United States may be more infected but less deadly, according to recent reports. The World Health Organization (WHO) and experts on infectious diseases told Fox News that the coronavirus mutation is known as D614G and is mainly found in North America.
“The D614G strain was first identified in February; it is currently the dominant tribe in North America and Europe and is now back in Asia, “the WHO told Fox News in an email.
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“It has been thought that there are at least six different species and this is the dominant one that has taken over,” Drs. Ravina Kullar, an epidemiologist, to Fox News.
“This mutated strain is thought to be more transmissible / contagious than the original strain, but this has only been shown in the lab, which has been shown to have more viral load,” said Kullar, a member of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. added.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and experts in infectious diseases told Fox News that the mutation of coronavirus is known as D614G and is mainly found in North America and Europe.
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Kullar referred to two studies published in the Journal Cell that she said suggested “this mutated strain was 10 times more contagious than the original strain, but less lethal.” The infectious disease specialist warned that an epidemiological study should be done to confirm these findings in humans, not just a lab.
A virus typically starts out very virulent and deadly and mutates slowly so the host survives, Kullar said.
“This allows it to live in a dormant state in the host and may reappear at a later point,” she explained.
Kullar notes that more research is needed to evaluate the susceptibility of the mutated virus strain. She wonders if the spike in cases is not because of the actual tension, but rather by people who do not abide by social distance rules.
“More data is needed on individuals (not just in the lab) that show that this virus is becoming less deadly. I believe that those who are more sensitive are already affected and now we are seeing younger individuals affected because of the mass meetings / parties (inside and out) and our clinicians are getting better at treating patients who have COVID-19, ” the infectious disease specialist said.
Dr Paul Tambyah, an infectious disease expert, told Reuters that data suggest the proliferation of D614G mutation has coincided with a drop in death rates in some parts of the world.
“Maybe it’s okay to have a virus that is more contagious but less deadly,” Tambyah, also the president-elect of the International Society of Infectious Diseases and a senior consultant at the National University of Singapore, told the news outlet.
Mutations of viruses are common, experts told Fox News.
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“Changes in viruses happen all the time. What is important is that we follow these strains, “the WHO explained in its email to Fox News, noting that” a working group is studying changes (mutations) in the virus to understand which strain behaves differently. “
While continuing her studies, Kullar said people should continue to follow precautionary measures.
“Everyone needs to continue wearing masks, performing physical distance, hand hygiene and stopping those mass parties,” she said.
