The American Association for the Advancement of Science believes California coronavirus strain B.1.427/B.1.429 may be ‘more infectious and lethal’. This means it could transmit more efficiently, and increase the risk of requiring treatment in intensive care. In January 2021, it appeared in more than 50% of over 2,000 samples. Should we worry about the California strain or continue as before?
What We Currently Know About the California Strain
The coronavirus is a moving target. Variant B.1.427/B.1.429 incubated under cover last spring, but only came to scientists’ attention during winter. However, at that time they thought it could be the surge playing out, as opposed to being more contagious. But things changed with a new study awaiting peer review.
Scientists at University of California, San Francisco examined 2,172 virus samples collected in California between September 2020, and January 2021. This enabled them to create a trend line that showed the virus was not present in early autumn. However, by January 2021 it was the principal variant in the state, and doubling its cases every 18 days.
Sounds Serious… Should We Worry About the California Strain?
When the scientists tested the virus in their laboratory, they found it 40% better at infecting human cells than earlier strains. Moreover – and perhaps this is why we should worry about the California strain – the viral load in infected noses and throats was double.
‘The devil is already here’, remarked study lead author Dr. Charles Chiu, a virologist at University of California. ‘I wish it were different. But the science is the science.’
To complicate matters further, strain B.1.427/B.1.429 may be more resistant to vaccines we have available. We need to focus on taking precautions, while we wait the result of further studies. We should remember the test sample was relatively small, and keep our eye on the ball.
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Preview Image: Golden Gate Bridge
