Virus mutations in Danish minks: more than 200 people have already been infected with the new Corona variant



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The Danish government assumed 12 infections on Wednesday. The health authorities now have new data.

All the 15 to 17 million minks in the country will be slaughtered: a Danish mink farmer holds one of his animals.

All the 15-17 million minks in the country will be slaughtered: a Danish mink farmer holds one of his animals.

Photo: Henning Bagger (Ritzau Scanpix / AP / Keystone)

In Denmark, at least 214 people have been infected with a variant of the coronavirus that originally appeared in minks since June. Danish health institute SSI announced on Friday. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen had reported twelve people infected on Wednesday.

200 of the cases were detected in the North Jutland region. There are many mink farms in this region. Sars-CoV-2 has already been found in 216 breeding facilities across the country.

the The Danish government had ordered on Wednesdaythat all minks in the country, between 15 and 17 million animals, must be slaughtered. The so-called group 5 virus can be transmitted from animals to humans, according to the SSI. It is probably not more dangerous, but there is a risk that the vaccines currently being developed will perform worse against this variant.

Residents are not allowed to leave the municipalities

Continued mink farming poses a significant public health risk during an ongoing corona pandemic, the health institute warned. A large number of mink farms would lead to more infections in humans, and a large number of infected minks would increase the risk of virus mutations, against which the vaccines currently being developed may not protect.

In seven regions of North Jutland, people are now being asked to remain in their communities. Local public transport will be discontinued from Monday. Restaurants, swimming pools and gyms must close. The municipalities of Hjørring, Frederikshavn, Brønderslev, Jammerbugt, Thisted, Vesthimmerland and Læsø are affected by the restrictions.

sho / sda

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