Mutant variant found in hospital staff at funeral
A CLUSTER of coronavirus cases that may be linked to a mutant variant is being investigated in Liverpool, it has emerged.
Cases have been traced to staff from Liverpool Women’s Hospital who had attended a funeral in the city, it has been claimed.
However, there was no indication any of the hospital’s patients had been affected by the outbreak.
The cases are said to involve a virus variant which includes the E484K mutation – also present in the South African variant.
Studies
Some laboratory studies have suggested this particular genetic change could help the virus bypass the immune system by reducing antibody recognition, although tests are ongoing.
Public Health England told the Liverpool Echo there was no evidence that this mutation alone causes more severe illness or is more transmissible.
Dr Will Welfare, incident director for PHE and deputy director for health protection at PHE North West, said: “We are currently investigating a cluster of cases in Liverpool of Covid-19.
“All cases are linked, and further genome testing and public health investigations are underway.
“The best way to stop the spread of the virus is to follow the basic measures – wash our hands, wear a face covering and keep our distance from others.
“Whilst in lockdown, it is important that we also stay at home where possible.”
Variants identified in Kent, South Africa and Brazil are being studied by scientists to determine whether they are a threat to vaccine efficacy.
But experts have urged calm, reminding the public that mutations are common and many have little or no effect.
If variants do emerge that can evade current vaccines, scientists have said the existing jabs could be tweaked in a matter of weeks to target a new strain.