Once again, the COVID-19 virus could cause havoc worldwide. Scientists have discovered the most mutated variant so far in Indonesia. This coronavirus has mutated around 113 times.
The Omicron variant has mutated more than double the times of this newly discovered variant in Indonesia. According to experts, a patient in Jakarta has been found with a mutated variant of the Delta variant that has mutated at least 113 times, compared to Omicron, which has mutated around 50 times. Scientists believe this variant could be highly infectious.
Whether this variant will spread rapidly or not, researchers are currently studying it. The newly discovered variant in Indonesia has undergone 113 mutations, more than the Omicron variant. However, it is uncertain if this variant will cause devastation worldwide like Omicron and necessitate lockdowns for everyone. Top scientists say that the world may not need lockdowns due to this variant. In early July, the Global COVID Genomics Database identified this new virus, which emerged from past infections.
Life storage safeguarding the future of biological materials
This new variant could keep patients infected for months, posing a risk to those with weakened immune systems, such as those suffering from AIDS or cancer, hindering their treatments. Scientists are concerned about such infections.
Virologist Professor Lawrence Yang from Warwick University stated that it’s unclear if the newly identified strain has the ability to progress and infect others. The biggest fear is its silent emergence. Professor Yang warns that the virus is constantly surprising us, and being complacent is dangerous. The virus will continue to mutate rapidly, making those with weaker immunity more vulnerable. He said, “The concerning thing about past infections is that the virus is mutating in individuals who already developed immunity.”
