The Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect countries worldwide, and as the virus mutates, new strains appear. The Delta variant has been predominant in the U.S for several weeks, and it has been behind the surge in the number of daily infections. At the same time, there are other variants health experts and organizations, such as the WHO and the CDC, keep under close supervision. The Mu variant originated in Colombia at the beginning of 2021, and it has been detected in over 40 countries. Health experts in Maryland detected cases of infection with the Mu strain, as CDC data indicates.
Delta strain remains dominant in Maryland
According to the CDC data, there have been around 56 cases of infection with the Mu variant, while the Delta variant continues to be responsible for more than 97% of Covid-19 infections in Maryland. The Who has classified the Mu strain as a variant of interest. Health experts are keeping an eye on it because it has similar characteristics as the Delta variant. There have been around 2,803 cases of infection with the Mu variant in the U.S, and worldwide only 0.1% of the total Covid-19 cases.
Maryland health workers are overwhelmed by the daily Covid-19 infections
As CDC and other health organizations recommend, the only way to avoid severe cases of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus is through vaccination. The FDA has fully authorized the Pfizer vaccine, and two other options have emergency authorization for now.
Maryland State is providing booster shots to nursing home residents and those immunocompromised in an attempt to control the fourth wave of the pandemic. Over 77 million Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered in Maryland, and 83% of adults have received at least one dose. Breakthrough infections are still possible; however, vaccines prevent hospitalizations and death.
