The lambda variant of the coronavirus has continued to be concerning, and now a case in Houston has been worrying experts in the area.
Is there a lambda variant in the U.S.?
Per USA Today, a Houston hospital said it has found its first case of the lambda variant of the coronavirus. However, experts remain unsure if the single case could lead to a widespread outbreak in the same way the delta variant has been raging throughout the country, according to USA Today.
- So far, there have been less than 700 cases of the lambda coronavirus variant in the U.S., according to the USA Today
What is the lambda variant?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the lambda variant was first detected in Peru in summer 2020.
- The lambda variant is currently listed as a “variant of interest” on the World Health Organization list of variants.
- According to the World Health Organization, the lambda variant has some mutations that might make it resistant to antibodies that are created from vaccines.
What are lambda variant symptoms?
Science Focus recently reported on the symptoms of the lambda variant, which has been spreading to the United Kingdom. The symptoms are not all that different than the normal strain of the virus. Here’s a breakdown of the symptoms.
- High temperature.
- A continuous cough.
- A loss of change in smell or taste.
Is the lambda variant contagious?
Dr. S. Wesley Long, medical director of diagnostic biology at Houston Methodist, told USA Today that the lambda variant might not be as transmissible as the delta variant.
- “I know there’s great interest in lambda, but I think people really need to be focused on delta,” Long said. “Most importantly, regardless of the variant, our best defense against all these variants is vaccination.