The World Health Organization has designated the Mu variant of the novel coronavirus as a ‘Variant of Interest.’
Health experts continue to monitor the movements and developments of COVID-19. This is particularly true toward the mutations of the virus, causing the emergence of new strains, like the Mu variant.
Nearly a month has passed since the World Health Organization included the said strain in its list of “Variants of Interests” (VOIs). This came after primary studies show that it has some mutations, making it potentially resistant to the existing COVID-19 vaccines.
In addition, the variant has become responsible for a growing number of cases in some parts of the globe. This mainly includes nations in South America and Europe.
First case in Finland
Over the weekend, reports emerged, noting that the Mu variant is now in Finland. The European country has detected its first case of the strain, according to The Hindustan Times.
The assertions first came from the local publication, Yle on Saturday. It also stated that the country performs genome sequencing on about 10 to 15 percent of the COVID-19 positive samples.
The reports did not provide some details, however, regarding the detected Mu case. But, Finnish experts are said to be looking into the variant.
A Turku University virology professor told the publication that all COVID-19 variants cause worries. This is even more applicable to the ones that “can evade protection” or the strains that they are already monitoring, including the B.1.621 variant.
The prevalence of the Mu variant
The Mu variant is now in over 40 countries around the globe. But, it is most prevalent in Ecuador, as well as in Colombia, where experts first detected it earlier this year.
The World Health Organization previously said that the B.1.621 strain represents 39 percent of the sequenced cases in its country of origin. Meanwhile, the rate is at 13 percent in Ecuador.
The health agency also noted that these are the places where the variant has “consistently increased,” causing an alarm. Nevertheless, the number of genetic sequences across the globe has fallen below 0.1 percent.
Is it worse than the Delta variant?
Fears and worries over the B.1.621 variant continue to develop among the public. Although experts have warned about the potential risky nature of the strain, they have emphasized that the focus is on the Delta variant.
The Finnish researcher believes that the Mu variant “most likely does not pose additional threats” in comparison to the other strains. Similarly, officials from the WHO previously noted the Delta variant “is a far more pressing concern.”
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