Scientists from South Africa have discovered a new viral variant of Sars-Cov-2, the virus that causes Covid-19.
This is not a single virus, but a group of genetically similar viruses, called C.1.2.
The researchers, in a pre-printed study published last week, but to be evaluated by peers, found that this cluster took a lot of mutations in a short period of time.
Indeed, that’s what viruses do. They are continually evolving and mutate because of selective pressures but also because of opportunity, luck and luck.
C.1.2 Some about individual mutations. But we do not really know how they will work together as a package. And it is too early to say how these variations will affect humans compared to other variants.
There is no need to panic. It does not spread well, and it is not at the door of Australia. The tools we have set up for SARS-COV-2, regardless of the variant.
Will it be more infectious or severe?
C.1.2 is distinct from but on a genetic branch near the lambda variant, which is common in Peru.
He has a question about individual mutations. But we do not know how these mutations will work quite, and we can not predict how a variant variant will be based on single mutations.
We must see how a variant of certain variants in humans to give us an idea of whether it is more communicable, causes a more serious illness or escapes the immunity we get vaccines more than other variants.
At this point, we do not know enough about how C.1.2 behaves in humans because it has not yet spread. It represents less than 5% of new cases in South Africa and has been found only in about 100 cases of COVIDs around the world since May.
It is not yet listed by the World Health Organization as a variant of interest or a variant of concern.
Will it exceed other variants?
It is early, so it is impossible to predict what will happen to C.1.2.
It could expand and exceed other variants, otherwise he could sparkle and disappear.
Again, just because this virus has a bunch of mutations, it does not necessarily mean that the mutations will work together to obstruct other variants.
Delta is the Kingpin variant for the moment, we must keep an eye on the c.1.2 to see if it starts to push delta.
So it’s important to continue looking at it in case it starts to transmit widely. A group in Australia, the genomic network of communicable diseases, monitors these developments closely.
There is no need to panic
At this point, there is no need for concern.
Australia still has its border restrictions in place, so the chances of this virus rarely occurring in the country and propagate are very low.
There is no evidence that our vaccines do not work against it. Our vaccines offer protection against serious illnesses and death against all other SARS-COV-2 variants so far and there is a good chance that they will continue to do it against C.1.2 variants.
It will not be long before we have a better idea of how c.1.2 behaves. There is a lot of eyes on it and we have to have patience because the data is entered.
The sensationalism and the panic in the meantime will not solve anything.
New variants, and other news bits in the middle of the pandemic, are often locked and amplified by some people and their media. There is a real risk that it causes fear when it is not necessary and inducing fear is a form of prejudice.
It’s a hard time for the public because it’s hard to know who listen and trust.
I would say it is better to listen to the experts, especially organizations whose task is to follow and disclose risks about these things, such as WHO and the health service of your local jurisdiction.
Do not amplify or pay attention to an obvious alarmism and extreme negativity and make sure you get your information from trustworthy media sources.