Baltimore, MD - Jan. 19, 2021 - In December 2020 new strains of Coronavirus were detected in United Kingdom.  The mutated strain is thought to have a 70% transmissibility rate and is referred to as B.1.1.7.  In South Africa it is B.1.351 and is thought to have a higher viral load
Brazil is P.1



                                                                          

These mutations were to be expected as that is the natural tendency for viral survival.  If they become too aggressive however, they could potentially wipe out their host and become eradicated. There are currently more than 20 known genetic mutations suggesting that it is possibly more contagious.

These mutations seem to affect the spike proteins and are thought to make them more “sticky”. This potentially can allow it to enter the cells more readily leading to a higher infection rate.  Although the new strain may be more infectious, it does not appear to cause an increase in severe disease or death.

Children do not seem to be more affected than the typical SARS CoV2. Although numbers of affected children are on the rise, the numbers do not differ between strains.

The current mRNA vaccine is thought to be protective against the new strains of the virus. However, we must still continue to wear masks,  social distance and practice good hand hygiene.