Denmark has announced that several people have been infected with a mink-related strain of the COVID-19 virus. WHO is working with the Danish authorities on research and control efforts.
It is normal for viruses to mutate or change over time. But each time a virus goes from humans to animals and back to humans, it can change more. That’s why these reports are concerning.
Scientists have not yet noted changes to the mink-related strain of the COVID-19 virus identified in Denmark that affect transmissibility, disease severity or reinfection in people. But further evidence is needed.
Major variations to the virus might impact on vaccines, therapeutics and treatments. Since the start of the pandemic, WHO has worked with researchers, evolutionary virologists, sequencing teams, and synthetic biologists to track genetic changes in the #COVID19 virus.
Watch the entire press conference of the 6th November 2020 here: https://youtu.be/AGviviGF-p0
