WHO identifies Mu COVID-19 variant as a variant of interest. Here's why
1/5
Evading antibodies
The WHO has officially listed the Mu Covid-19 variant, scientifically called B1621, as a 'variant of interest' as evidence shows that it can evade antibodies.
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Mutating
According to a weekly update, the variant has a "constellation of mutations that indicate potential properties of immune escape".
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Resistant to vaccines
While all viruses mutate over time, some mutations can affect how easily a virus spread, or even its resistance to vaccines. Listing the Mu variant as a variant of interest means that the strain has genetic changes that can affect the characteristics of the coronavirus.
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4/5
Variants of Concern
There are 4 coronavirus mutations listed as variants of concern: Delta, Alpha, Beta, Gamma. Mu was first detected in Colombia in January, after which about 4,500 cases were reported across the globe, half of them from the US.
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Highly contagious
Till now, the variant has been identified in more than 43 countries. The Mu variant is highly contagious, as preliminary data presents it has easily evading vaccine protection.