Public Health Continues Monitoring COVID-19 Variants

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health or Public Health continues to track variant cases in Los Angeles County. While the most dominant circulating variant in L.A. County continues to be the highly transmissible Delta variant, a variant of concern, the Mu variant, a variant of interest, is being closely monitored. 

To date, Public Health has identified 167 Mu variants in L.A. County; these specimens were sequenced between June 19 and Aug, 21, with the majority of Mu specimens sequenced in July. 

Mu was first identified in Colombia in January 2021 and has since been reported in 39 countries. The World Health Organization labelled variant Mu, lineage B.1.621, as a variant of interest on Aug. 30. The Mu variant is found to have key mutations linked to greater transmissibility and the potential to evade antibodies. More studies are needed to determine whether Mu variant is more contagious, more deadly or more resistant to vaccine and treatments than other COVID-19 strains.   

Visit: www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) and www.VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish) to find a vaccination site near you, make an appointment at vaccination sites, and much more. If you don’t have internet access, can’t use a computer, or you’re over 65, you can call 1-833-540-0473 for help finding an appointment, connecting to free transportation to and from a vaccination site, or scheduling a home-visit if you are homebound.    

Details: www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.