Could the COVID-19 surge in China unleash a new coronavirus mutant on the world?
Scientists don’t know but worry that might happen. It could be similar to omicron variants circulating there now. It could be a combination of strains. Or something entirely different, they say.
Dr. Shan-Lu Liu, who studies viruses at Ohio State University, said many existing omicron variants have been detected in China, including BF.7, which is extremely adept at evading immunity and is believed to be driving the current surge. “Much of the mildness we’ve experienced over the past six to 12 months in many parts of the world has been due to accumulated immunity either through vaccination or infection, not because the virus has changed" in severity, Ray said.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
China estimates 250 million people caught COVID-19 since end of 'zero-COVID' policy: reportChina abruptly ended its 'zero-COVID' policies following nationwide protests, but the lack of proper vaccination levels and hospital preparedness left the country vulnerable.
Read more »
Mainland China reports no new COVID deaths for Dec 25 -China CDCChina reported no new COVID-19 deaths in mainland for Dec. 25, the same a day earlier, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention said on Monday.
Read more »
Tesla shuts down Shanghai plant as COVID cases in China surgeThe work stoppage comes as COVID infections are surging in China.
Read more »
China's COVID-19 surge raises odds of new coronavirus mutantCould the COVID-19 surge in China unleash a new coronavirus mutant on the world.
Read more »