Despite the fact that any SARS-CoV-2 mutation is concerning, the head of the Baja California Secretariat of Health, Alonso Perez Rico, mentioned that the ones that most worry the authorities of this state are the British and Brazilian variants.
This is due to the fact that, in the case of the British variant, cases have not only been detected in the United States and Canada, but also in Mexico. In addition, this variant is transmitted more rapidly, according to preliminary data. However, there is still no association that states that the vaccine is not effective against it, but it shows an increase in mortality.
The Brazilian variant, also detected in the United States, but which emerged in Japan in travelers from Brazil, shows a possible increase in transmissibility and propensity to reinfection.
In addition, this last variant, according to what was presented by the Secretary of Health, does alter the effectiveness of the vaccine.
And although in Baja California there are no cases of any variant yet, Perez Rico said that they should be concerned about all of them, but "which ones should we be more concerned about? the B.1.1.7 (United Kingdom) and the P.1 from Brazil", he mentioned, and added that there are more variants but these are the most representative ones.
The doctor emphasized that there are things about COVID-19 that have not been studied yet, including its antigenic variants and the effect of these on the population and on the vaccines that are being created.
This is why he concluded by emphasizing on maintaining social distance, washing hands for 20 seconds, using face masks and sneezing in etiquette.
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