According to the World health Organization (WHO), the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) variant strain first discovered in the UK has spread to 50 countries and territories, while a similar variant strain found in South Africa has been sighted in 20 countries and territories.
WHO also mentioned another new variant of the virus found in Japan, the impact of which requires further research and investigation.
The more widespread the virus that triggered the outbreak, SARS-CoV-2, the greater the chance of mutation,” WHO said. The high level of transmission means that we should expect more variants of the virus to emerge.”
WHO noted that the United Kingdom first notified WHO of the variant virus strain VOC202012/01 on Dec. 14 last year, and it has spread to 50 countries, territories and areas to date.
South Africa notified variant 501Y.V2 on December 18 last year, and it is now present in 20 countries, territories and areas.
WHO’s weekly bulletin mentions, “Although the variant virus 501Y.V2 does not appear to cause more severe disease, a rapid increase in the number of cases of infection has been observed, which is putting pressure on the health care system.”
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