Corona: Is the next virus variant already lurking in New York?

Wastewater samples provide important information about pathogens and bacteria in the immediate vicinity. A new mutation of SARS-CoV-2 was discovered in New York. What is behind the virus variant has not yet been sufficiently researched.

Since the beginning of the corona pandemic, the US virologist Marc  Johnson  has been regularly checking the wastewater samples from the city of New York using laboratory tests – the screening is intended to show the corona distribution in different parts of the city and provide information on possible variants.

New York: The origin of the mutation has not yet been sufficiently clarified

Marc Johnson discovered traces of a corona mutation about a year ago, but the variant has not yet been detected in patients. Whether it is of human or animal origin is also not clear.

The variant could have mutated in a human with an immune deficiency or originate in rats. The suspicion is due to the large rat population in the American city, and the value of the detected traces has not changed even with the falling number of cases.

Genetic structure shows similarities with omicron

Johnson also explained to ZDF that the mutation is similar to the already dominant omicron variant in its genetic structure. According to the virologist, there is currently no danger to the population. However, the mutation should continue to be observed in order to register possible changes as quickly as possible and act accordingly.