COVID-19: Mu variant reduces vaccine effectiveness

A new variant of COVID-19, called Mu, will have the ability to overcome the immunity afforded by vaccines. Experts say there is no cause for concern, but the truth is that this option is being identified in an increasing number of countries.

Although worldwide prevalence of Mu variant and detected cases has declined and is now less than 0.1%, prevalence in Colombia (39%) and Ecuador (13%) is growing steadily. A new variant of Mu has already been discovered in Portugal, but there have been no new cases since late July.

Variant - B.1.621 (Mu) was classified as the next variant

The World Health Organization (WHO) is tracking a new variant of the coronavirus dubbed Mu, which was first detected in Colombia in January. Option B.1.621, according to the scientific nomenclature, has been classified as the “option to be followed” as indicated by WHO in the pandemic epidemiological bulletin.

The WHO clarified that this variant has mutations that may indicate a risk of vaccine resistance and stressed that further research is needed to better understand its characteristics.

All viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, which is responsible for COVID-19, mutate over time. Most mutations have virtually no effect on the properties of the virus.

Certain mutations can affect the properties of the virus and affect, for example, the ease with which it spreads, the severity of the disease, or the effectiveness of vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, or other social and public health measures.