Health agencies and officials said they are keeping a ‘very close eye’ on the Mu variant of COVID-19.
The prevalence of the Mu variant has “consistently increased” in some South American countries. It has also already spread in various parts of the globe, causing concern among health officials.
On Monday, the World Health Organization officially included the B.1.621 strain on the list of the COVID-19 Variants of Interest (VOIs). It has published a report, as well, detailing the experts’ preliminary findings of the variant.
Data showed that it has properties that have the potential to evade immunity from a previous infection or a vaccination. But, more research is necessary to confirm the initial results.
As the public watches closely, the White House Chief Medical Adviser released an official statement regarding the matter. Dr. Anthony Fauci said that the variant is not an “immediate threat” to Americans, according to CNBC.
Dr. Anthony Fauci on the Mu variant in the U.S.
At a press briefing on Thursday, the public health expert noted that they are “paying attention” to the Mu variant of COVID-19. While they take it “seriously,” they do not consider it “an immediate threat right now.”
Dr. Anthony Fauci acknowledged what the data says about the new variant. He stated that the strain has mutations, suggesting that it would evade “not only monoclonal antibodies, but vaccine- and convalescent serum-induced antibodies,” as well.
Despite this, though, he countered that “there is not a lot of clinical data” available. “It is mostly laboratory in-vitro data,” Fauci added.
He, then, emphasized the importance and advantage of COVID-19 vaccines. He claimed that even when there are variants that “do diminish somewhat the efficacy of vaccines,” the jabs remain “quite effective.”
Three doses of COVID-19 vaccine for Americans
Moving on to the subject of vaccines, Dr. Anthony Fauci shared some insight on his take regarding boosters. He said that it would not come as a surprise if full vaccination against COVID-19 would require three doses.
The expert believes three shots “will be in order to increase immune support” against the novel coronavirus, according to Fox News. He, then, said that it is likely for every American to have a three-dose regimen, “if it is durable.”
World Health Organization monitors B.1.621 strain
The B.1.621 variant caught the attention of the public when the World Health Organization released a report about the matter earlier this week. It warned that the strain “showed signs of possible resistance” to COVID-19 vaccines.
Experts and officials first detected the Mu variant in Colombia earlier this year. It has since spread across South America and Europe, and has now reached over 39 countries, as per WHO.
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