First Detection of US-Origin 'Columbus Variant'... Already the Fourth Variant (Summary)

"Possessing 3 Genetic Mutations"... Different from UK and South Africa
US CDC Embarrassed Over No US-Origin Variant... Criticism of Inadequate Testing Expected to Rise

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Health authorities worldwide are on high alert as a new variant of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), different from previously identified variants, has been discovered in the United States. The variant, called the "Columbus variant," is the fourth to be identified after those from the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Japan. Unlike previous variants, it carries three genetic mutations and is presumed to have very high transmissibility.

According to foreign media including CNBC on the 13th (local time), researchers at the Wexner Medical Center of Ohio State University announced the discovery of two new variants of the virus believed to have originated domestically in the U.S. Among these, one variant possesses three mutations simultaneously that are completely different from those found in previously identified variants. It was named the Columbus variant after being discovered in Columbus, Ohio. The other variant reportedly includes mutations identical to those found in the UK variant.

The Columbus variant virus is understood to have spread widely over three weeks since the end of last month. The research team stated, "Considering its rapid spread throughout Columbus in a short period, this variant is as contagious as the UK and South African variants, but there is currently no evidence that it reduces vaccine effectiveness."

Dan Jones, Associate Chair of Molecular Pathology at Ohio State University and lead of the study, explained, "The new Columbus variant shares the same genetic backbone as the original COVID-19 virus, and having three mutations indicates significant evolution. Such changes have not been observed in the UK or South African variants, so it appears this variant did not come from outside."

With the discovery of a new form of variant virus in the U.S., following the UK, South Africa, and Japan, concerns about variant-related fears are expected to grow. However, the researchers cautioned against overinterpretation, stating that it is still unknown whether this variant poses a greater risk compared to the original COVID-19. Peter Moller, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at Wexner Medical Center, emphasized, "It is important not to overreact to the new variant until more data is obtained," adding, "Further research is still needed."

Previously, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which had stressed last week that no U.S.-origin variants existed, found itself in a difficult position. On the 8th, the White House COVID-19 Task Force issued a statement expressing concern about the possible emergence of a domestic variant in the U.S., but the CDC rebutted with a statement saying, "No U.S.-origin variants have been found in virus sample investigations," criticizing the spread of fear. Health experts in the U.S. have pointed out that the CDC's sample testing needs to be significantly expanded.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.