Two strains of the BQ.1 subvariant of the coronavirus are identified in Brazil

Two strains of the BQ.1 subvariant of the coronavirus are identified in Brazil

The Faculdade de Medicina do ABC reported this Monday (28) that researchers confirmed the presence of the BQ 1.1.17 and BQ 1.18 strains of the BQ.1 subvariant of the coronavirus in Brazil. Since September 2021, the university has been assisting surveillance agencies in monitoring Covid-19.

According to the university center, the infected patients live in Santo André and São Caetano do Sul, in Greater São Paulo.

Cases were identified in a batch of nine samples. Most were people infected with the BA.5 variant, with three being the BQ.1 subvariant.

People infected by the new strains showed mild symptoms of the disease. There is no information on whether they are more transmissible or that they cause more serious effects than the currently predominant ones.

Omicron variant has also been detected

Last week, the Butantan Institute also disclosed that the BN.1 subline of the Ômicron variant was found in Brazil for the first time. The sample is from October 27th, from a 38-year-old woman, resident of the city of São Paulo.

The experts stressed, however, that it is not a variant of concern, that is, it is not monitored by the World Health Organization and “should not cause a major impact”.

They add that there are several new variants in circulation in the state of São Paulo, but they are not strong enough to override BQ.1.1.

Source: CNN Brasil