health

Scientists urge concern, not alarm over new virus strains

5 Comments
By MARILYNN MARCHIONE

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5 Comments
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The problem is that it is mutating and that the best preventive measures are still being ignored by those who refuse to believe in the science. It will mutate again, and we won't know what form it will be then, this is the concern. Also another question, is this dominant strain in London similar to the one found in the minks of Denmark and the Netherlands?

4 ( +5 / -1 )

As written there is not need to panic and think that things are going to get worse just because a strain is becoming more common, but it is justified to act with caution even if it turns out to be excessive later, because if there is no reason there will be always time to roll back with travel restrictions, but if indeed this strain can worsen the situation in other countries waiting until it is well characterized to limit its spreading would be too late.

Also another question, is this dominant strain in London similar to the one found in the minks of Denmark and the Netherlands?

Apparently not, when viral strains of the mink farms outbreak were examined no special mutation was detected as common, and the characteristic mutation for this strain (the N501Y change) is not described either.

https://science.sciencemag.org/content/early/2020/11/09/science.abe5901

2 ( +4 / -2 )

So far, they are saying that while this new strain spreads more easily, it is not more deadly. Thank goodness for small favors.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Nothing wrong with alarm, it's panic that's the killer.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

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