Corona cases are once again seen increasing in many countries. According to recent reports, there has been a new mutation in the virus once again, which has led to a new variant LB.1. In many countries including the US, and UK, increasing crowds have been reported in hospitals due to this new variant. According to the report of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the new variant can be challenging in many cases, it is feared that it may soon overtake the previous variant KP.3 of Corona.
The CDC said in its report, that this variant is believed to be the main reason for about 17.5% of the new cases of corona in the United States. CDC spokesperson David Daigle said in a statement, we are constantly monitoring all variants of Corona. There are reports of increasing cases of infection in some countries, many patients are also needing hospitalization. All people need to remain cautious about the new variant of Corona.
What does the CDC report say?
The CDC said in its report, that this variant is seen increasing rapidly in a very short time. However, at present there is no evidence that the new variant is more contagious than the KP.3 variant so far or does it cause serious diseases?
According to preliminary information about the new variant, most of the nature of LB.1 is seen to be similar to KP.3. However, an additional mutation has been seen in the new variant which may increase its contagiousness further.
How dangerous can the LB.1 variant be?
CDC spokesperson David explains, based on preliminary studies, we can tell that the additional mutation seen in the spike protein of the new variant gives it the ability to infect some people more easily. It is worth noting here that the change seen in the spike protein of the new variant is similar to that of Omicron's JN.1 variant. One or two mutations have also been seen in the variants that have surfaced before this. Such changes probably keep happening with all new variants. In such a situation, there is little chance of much change in the nature or infectiousness of LB.1.
How are its symptoms being seen?
The CDC said it is not clear at the moment whether LB.1 has its specific symptoms or not. However, the government agency has given information about the basic symptoms of Kovid-19 on its website. These symptoms can appear between two to 14 days after coming in contact with the virus. Most people are having problems like fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body pain, sore throat, nausea or vomiting.
Experts said, that apart from these symptoms, some people may also have serious problems like persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, and change in the color of skin or lips. If you have such symptoms, then it needs serious attention.
Take preventive measures
Health experts said this new variant of corona is also a part of the constant mutation of the virus. All people need to be constantly cautious about prevention from infection. With the help of measures like COVID-19-appropriate behavior like wearing masks, taking care of hand hygiene, and social distancing, the risk of infection can be reduced. People in the affected areas have been advised to wear masks.
(PC: ISTOCK)