Staff at the Georgia Esoteric and Molecular Lab at the Medical College of Georgia have found a COVID-19 variant new to Augusta in samples taken from local patients. The mu variant was found among the 360 samples that were being sequenced on Sept. 12.
Dr. Ravindra Kolhe, director of the lab, said they found two samples with the mu variant. Although that represents less than 0.1% of cases, any new variant is cause for concern.
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“”Yes, we are definitely worried. That’s the natural evolution of any infection,” he said. “That is certainly a concern for all of us that are in this field, that at some point these strains or variants are going to escape the vaccine and make vaccinated individuals more sick.”
The mu variant originated in South America. Kolhe said because the delta variant is not present in South American countries, it’s impossible to say what the mu variant will do in the presence of delta.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control says the mu variant has not yet been detected in the Palmetto State.
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State epidemiologist Dr. Jane Kelly said, “Should the mu variant be identified in South Carolina, and identified by the CDC as a variant of concern or variant of interest, it will be displayed on our dashboard.”
DHEC announced the state has reached one milestone, 50% percent of those eligible to be vaccinated are completely vaccinated.
Dr. Edward Simmer, DHEC Director, said, “It’s indicative of our outreach efforts, work with local and state leaders, and so many others who understand how important vaccination is to ending this pandemic. That said, the mission is not over because the pandemic is not over. We need more South Carolinians to step up and get vaccinated so we can stamp COVID out once and for all.”
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In Georgia, the Department of Public Health reports there are almost six million unvaccinated people in the state. Just over 4.7 million are fully vaccinated. That represents 43% of Georgians are fully vaccinated.
The GPH has a link for a vaccine locator on its website https://www.vaccines.gov/
DHEC also has a searchable locator at: https://vaxlocator.dhec.sc.gov/
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
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