In a study using a global dataset of virus genomes from 46,723 people with Covid-19 from 99 countries, researchers identified more than 12,700 mutations, or changes, in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. "Fortunately, we found that none of these mutations are making Covid-19 spread more rapidly," said Lucy van Dorp, a professor at University College London's Genetics Institute and one of the co-lead researchers on the study. She added, however: "We need to remain vigilant and continue monitoring new mutations, particularly as vaccines get rolled out." Viruses are known to mutate all the time, and some - such as flu viruses - change more frequently than others. When viruses change like this, vaccines against them have to be adapted regularly to ensure they are hitting the right target.

Source: Dhaka Tribune November 25, 2020 10:52 UTC