The number of mutations of the new coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) variant virus B.1.1.529 is worrying. The WHO held a special meeting on November 26 to evaluate and discuss its impact on vaccines and current treatment methods.
In addition, the UK is wary of the risk of virus introduction. It has listed 6 African countries as high-risk areas and suspended flights from many countries into the UK.
B.1.1.529 is an evolution of an old variant virus called B.1.1, which first appeared in Botswana in southern Africa in mid-November.
There are a total of 32 mutations in its spike protein, which is the most mutated new coronavirus variant to date.
B.1.1.529 is more infectious than Delta virus with 16 mutations.
Spike protein mutations can affect the ability of the virus to infect cells and spread.
South African scientist Tulio de Oliveira (Tulio de Oliveira) said at a media briefing held by the South African Ministry of Health on the 24th that scientists found more than 30 mutations in the spike protein of B.1.1.529, some of which usually make the virus more severe. Infectious mutations, as well as multiple mutations associated with increased antibody resistance, may reduce vaccine effectiveness.
Oliveira is also the director of the South Africa Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation.
New crown pneumonia epidemic in South Africa: The picture shows a woman waiting in the observation area after receiving the Pfizer vaccine on October 20.
(AP)
Fast spreading in Hong Kong and South Africa
B.1.1.529 is currently in 3 countries or regions, including South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong.
There are 77 cases in Gauteng, South Africa, where Johannesburg, the country’s largest city, is located; 4 in Botswana and 2 in Hong Kong.
The two cases involving Regal Airport Hotel were analyzed by the University of Hong Kong, and it was further confirmed that the genetic sequence of the two was very similar, with B.1.1.529, which was similar to the genetic sequence of the South Africa and Botswana cases. The case is the source case.
The Secretary of Health of the United Kingdom (Sajid Javid) posted on the social media Twitter (Twitter) that the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating B.1.1.529, including South Africa, Namibia, and Swatini (formerly known as B.1.1.529). Swaziland (Eswatini), Lesotho (Lesotho), Botswana and Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe) were added to the red list, temporarily banning flights from these countries to the UK.
COVID-19 UPDATE: @UKHSA is investigating a new variant. More data is needed but we're taking precautions now.
From noon tomorrow six African countries will be added to the red list, flights will be temporarily banned, and UK travellers must quarantine .
— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) November 25, 2021
The WHO will only name B.1.1.529 in Greek letters after it has decided to include it in the "Variant of Interest" (VOI) or "Variants of Concern" (Variants of Concern).
The new variant of new crown pneumonia B.1.1.529 attracts attention. British experts: the worst variant of the virus, new variant B.1.1.529 of new crown pneumonia appears.
