The Mu variant contains genetic variations from other existing variants and is spreading infections in several different countries. WHO has declared the mu variant of COVID the Variant of Interest (VOI) now.
COVID Variants
An increase in the chance of viral mutation occurs when the virus has extensively spread among many infected people. It means that the more opportunities there are for a virus to apply, the faster it reproduces and the more chances it gets to undergo mutations. WHO added Mu Variant to its list in June 2021.
Earlier, WHO had declared the delta variant of COVID the Variant of Concern (VOC) because the delta variant had been rapidly and efficiently spreading between people. The delta variant has still been highly contagious and effecting individuals severely.
Characteristics of Mu COVID Variant
Under the ongoing surveillance program, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently classified the Mu COVID variant as a "Variant of Interest (VOI)". The Mu variant contains genetic variations from other existing variants and is spreading infections in several different countries.
Thus it may pose a significant hazard to public health. The Mu variant may be more susceptible to rapid transmission due to a mutation termed P681H. These gene mutations might make Mu more transmissible, cause more severe disease, and evade immune responses induced by vaccination or infection with prior strains. Because of this, it can be harder to cure.
All coronavirus variants, including the Mu variant, share the same symptoms: high fever and new or persistent cough, as well as a loss or alteration in your sense of smell or taste.
First cases of Mu Variant
The Mu variant was first reported in Colombia in January 2021 and was labelled as the B1621 variant. Now located in 40 countries, it is estimated to be responsible for 0.1 per cent of infections worldwide at this time.
Pakistan reported three cases of the Alpha (α) B.1.1.7 variant in February 2021. However, no active COVID's Mu variant cases have been reported up to date in Pakistan.
Role of Vaccines in combating the virus
The COVID virus uses its "spike proteins" to infect cells in the human body, and most COVID vaccines target this protein. We have been exposed to a component of the virus through vaccinations, usually the spike protein, so our immune system may learn how to fight the virus if we encounter it in the future. Vaccines may be less effective if a variant contains significant modifications to the spike protein.
Effectiveness of current vaccines on the Mu Variant
Lab-based research conducted in Rome found that the effect of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccinations against the Mu variant was less than other variants. However, the COVID-19 vaccines that are currently licensed would give at least some protection against novel viral variants because they evoke a wide variety of antibodies and, thus, broad immune response.
Mutations in the virus could not render vaccines useless. The vaccination against COVID-19 must be continued even though it might be less effective against some variants.
