Connect with us

Health

Is SARS-CoV-2 evolving to become more lethal? – The Economist

Most viruses become less deadly as they mutate. This one may be different

Published

on

Article feature image

AFTER INITIALLY emphasising that the B.1.1.7 variant of SARS-CoV-2, first found in south-east England, was more contagious but not any more deadly than the wild-type virus, Boris Johnson said on January 22nd that it seemed associated with higher mortality after all. That is surprising. Viruses tend to become less lethal over time. Why might this virus not be following the rules?
For organisms to replicate, genetic material must be copied. Occasionally, errors creep in and are passed on. Such mutations…

Click here to view the original article.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending