It could be even more contagious: WHO observes lambda variant in Latin America

While the delta mutation continues to spread worldwide, the WHO is currently monitoring the next variant.

The lambda mutation was discovered in South America.

Geneva - The corona virus has been turning the world upside down for almost a year and a half.

The situation in Germany has been easing for a few weeks.

While the Robert Koch Institute reports ever lower numbers of infections, health expert Karl Lauterbach warns of the contagious Delta variant from India.

Another mutation is now under surveillance by the World Health Organization (WHO).

It was first registered in Latin America.

Corona mutation from Latin America under observation: WHO with first details

Due to its mutations, the virus variant with the name Lambda could possibly be more contagious or be less well fought by the human immune system, the Geneva UN agency reported on Wednesday night.

However, reliable studies and reliable findings are not yet available.

The mutation is not new, it was first identified in Peru in August 2020.

The lambda variant has already spread widely there.

In the country, 81 percent of all Corona * cases analyzed have been assigned to lambda since April.

In Argentina and Chile it was around a third in the past few months.

Corona variants under observation: WHO distinguishes between two mutant species

Corona * variants are divided into two categories by the WHO: Variants under observation ("variants of interest") that lead to increased cases or occur in several countries. That includes lambda. The variants of concern are one level higher. They have been shown to be more contagious, more difficult to control or lead to more serious illnesses. This includes, for example, the delta variant, because of which the planned Corona opening in Great Britain is postponed.