The Mu variant of the Sars-CoV-2 virus originated in Colombia at the beginning of the year and has since then, it has managed to spread around the globe. It has been identified in more than 42 countries, including the U.S. The World Health Organisation added the B.1.621 (Mu strain) as a variant of interest, and it has now been identified in 49 U.S states. Nebraska is the only state where the strain has not been detected so far.
What do we know so far about the Mu strain?
Health officials closely observe all variants, and it seems that the Mu variant might become a problem if they find proof it can evade the immunity provided by Covid-19 vaccines. Researchers still need more time to determine how dangerous this strain can become. A solution to stop the spreading and mutations of the original SARS-CoV-2 virus is through vaccination. Although the WHO classified the variant, the CDC has not released information about it yet.
The Mu strain accounts for less than 1% of U.S cases
According to recent reports, the Mu variant is accountable for less than 1% of cases in the U.S. Most of the infection cases with the variant have been identified in Hawaii, Alaska, and California. Other more dangerous strains remain accountable for the majority of daily infection cases with the new coronavirus. However, health officials and authorities ask people to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones.
The Mu variant could become a variant of concern if epidemiologists and researchers determine it is highly contagious or if the available Covid-19 vaccines are less effective. The Delta variant remains in the center of attention, as it became the prevalent strain in the U.S. The U.S is still struggling with a new infection wave, and more than 1,000 schools have closed, in more than 35 states, since the beginning of the new school year.
