What you should know about the viral mutation
Evan Axelbank reports
TAMPA, Fla. – Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute say they have discovered that COVID-19 has mutated, making it easier to capture.
However, it remains unclear if the virus has become more dangerous.
“Viruses evolve,” said Dr. Michael Teng of USF Health, who was not involved in the study. “Viruses have to adapt, to replicate better on the host of their choice.”
The researchers say that the COVID-19 cells have changed, becoming more irregular, believed to allow them to more easily bind to the host cells.
“The mutation does not make the virus more deadly or cause more disease,” said Teng. “What we are seeing is that the virus has adapted to humans and can now replicate better and transmit better.”
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The scientists who made the discovery say it is unclear whether the mutation makes the virus less deadly or whether it is a coincidence that younger and generally healthier people are passing it on.
A doctor who spoke to Governor Ron DeSantis on Sunday said they are looking at whether the mutated virus is less deadly.
“At first, people who got sick and died did not spread the virus,” said Dr. Jason Foland. “On top of that, the elderly populations were isolating themselves.”
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This does not mean that it is time to take off the mask and hug a friend. Conversely, being infected with COVID-19 could have serious consequences for resources, both in hospitals and for testing.
The long-term impacts on those who contract it are still unknown.
“The public health measures we take have to be much stricter with respect to what we do,” said Teng. “Masks, hand sanitation, these things are a little more important now, now that we know the virus can grow a little better and spread a little better.”
Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute do not believe the mutation slows efforts to find a vaccine for COVID-19.
