Public health officials are closely monitoring the Mo strain of the coronavirus now circulating in Los Angeles County, although they say the delta strain remains the main cause for concern.
The county’s Department of Public Health said in a statement that Mu’s variant, classified as a “variable of interest” by the World Health Organization on August 30, has so far been identified in 167 cases in Los Angeles County. Friday’s new version.
“Identification of variables such as Mo and the distribution of variables around the world highlights the need for Los Angeles County residents to continue taking steps to protect themselves and others,” Barbara Ferrer, the county’s director of public health, said in a statement. pronunciation.
The mu variant was first identified in Colombia in January 2021. Los Angeles County officials said it has since appeared in 39 other countries.
The ministry said that while more studies are needed to determine whether the mu variant is more contagious than other COVID-19 strains, it appears to contain important mutations associated with greater transmissibility and potential for antibody evasion.
This is why getting vaccinations and layers of protection is so important. Ferrer said these measures break the chain of transmission and limit the spread of the coronavirus, allowing the virus to mutate into something that may be more dangerous.
However, Ferrer said Thursday that the delta variant still accounts for 99% of all serial coronavirus cases in Los Angeles County.
There are currently 1,641 people in hospital with COVID-19, 27% of whom are in intensive care.
The county reported 2,673 new cases and 37 deaths on Friday.
“Our thoughts are with families and friends who are grieving the loss of loved ones to COVID-19.” Ferrer said.
The Department of Health encourages every eligible person – including children under the age of 12 – to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Vaccination sites across the county, including all county-owned sites, provide third doses of the vaccine to eligible immunocompromised people.
COVID-19 vaccines are always free and open to residents and eligible employees regardless of immigration status.
Visit www.VaccinateLACounty.cNSNS in English and www.VacunateLosAngeles.com in Spanish to find a vaccination site near you or call 1-833-540-0473 for help finding an appointment, call for free transportation to and from the vaccination site, or make an appointment To be vaccinated at home if you are staying at home.
