Mutated form of coronavirus may be more contagious, but less fatal, experts say

A common mutation in the novel coronavirus seen in the United States could be more infectious but less fatal, recent reports show. The World Health Organization (WHO) and infectious disease experts told Fox News that the coronavirus mutation is known as D614G and is mostly found in North America.

“The D614G strain was first identified in February; it is currently the predominant strain in North America and Europe and is now back in Asia, ”WHO told Fox News in an email.

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“It was thought that there were at least six different types of strains and the main one took over,” epidemiologist Dr Ravina Kullar told Fox News.

“This mutated strain is believed to be more transmissible / contagious than the original strain, but this has only been shown in the lab so far where it has been shown to have more viral load,” Kullar , member of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, added.

World Health Organization (WHO ) and infectious disease experts told Fox News that the coronavirus mutation is known as D614G and is mostly found in North America and Europe.
(iStock)

Kullar referred to two studies published in the Journal Cell which she said suggested that “this mutated strain was 10 times more infectious than the original strain but less fatal.” The infectious disease specialist warned that an epidemiological study must be performed to confirm these results in people, not just in a laboratory.

A virus usually starts out very virulent and deadly and mutates slowly for the host to survive, Kullar said.

“This allows it to live in a dormant state in the host and potentially reappear later,” she explained.

Kullar noted that more studies are needed to assess the degree of mortality of the mutated viral strain. She wondered if the spike in cases was not due to the actual tension, but rather the fact that people were not following the rules of social distancing.

“More data is needed in individuals (not just in the lab) that show this virus is less and less deadly. I believe those who are most susceptible have already been affected and now we are seeing younger individuals affected due to mass gatherings / parties (indoors and outdoors) and we clinicians are improving in treating patients with COVID-19, “the infectious disease specialist said.

Dr Paul Tambyah, an infectious disease expert, told Reuters that the data suggests that the proliferation of the D614G mutation has coincided with declining death rates in some parts of the world.

“Maybe it’s a good thing to have a more infectious but less deadly virus,” Tambyah, also president-elect of the International Society of Infectious Diseases and senior consultant at the National University of Singapore, told the outlet.

Virus mutations are common, experts told Fox News.

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“Virus changes happen all the time. What is important is that we are monitoring these strains, “WHO said in its email to Fox News, noting that” a working group is studying changes (mutations) in the virus to understand which strain is occurring. behaves differently ”.

While they continue their education, Kullar said people should continue to follow the precautions.

“Everyone must continue to mask themselves, physically distance themselves, implement hand hygiene and stop these mass parties,” she said.