The Delta variant is the latest to consider dominance, with cases surging over the last two months. Now the Lambda strain, which was first appeared in Peru, is the latest to increase worries of health officials with a range of “unusual” mutations.

Despite its relatively limited presence, Lambda emerged at approximately the same time as Delta.

Health officials discovered it for the first time in Peru in late 2020, and it has since spread to over 27 other nations.

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Fortunately, the caseload is currently low, but it may change quickly.

In the last two months, Lambda has caused 82% of all new COVID-19 cases in Peru.

And one of the first studies from the University of Chile has shown that mutations in its spike protein enhance its ability to infect and act on the immune system.

The paper has not yet been peer-reviewed, but the mutations found “confer increased infectivity and immune escape”.

Scientists said these mutations allowed it to escape the body defences of the Chinese CoronaVac vaccine.

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The researchers found similar mutations behind the Delta variant.

These findings are preliminary, however, and investigators have acknowledged how little they know so far.

These conclusions are preliminary, however, and the research team has acknowledged how little they know so far.

Jairo Méndez Rico, advisor of the Pan-American Health Organisation on emerging viral diseases, told the FT there is “no evidence” indicating it is more hostile.

He further added it is “possible” Lambda has a “higher rate of contagion”, however.

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Further research will be required to identify any different symptoms, as they have not yet found any.

However, people should pay attention to the general symptoms of COVID-19 including:

• A new, continuous cough
• High temperature (38C+)
• A loss or change in sense of smell or taste

Researchers from the University of Chile highlighted the need for further analysis in their research.

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In this respect, there is as yet no complete picture of the extent of Lambda’s presence on the continent.

Image Credit: Getty