, also known as the C.37 coronavirus variant that has been concerning several countries, remains to be a “variant of interest,” aon ABS-CBN News Channel, Dr.said that the WHO is still studying the emergence of the new variant and “it has not demonstrated characteristics that will warrant its classification as a variant of concern.”
Abeyasinghe said the Lambda variant originated in June 2021 in Brazil, where the Gamma or P.1 variant also emerged.“We know that it emerged in June of 2021 in Brazil. It is present in several countries, I believe about 20 to 30 countries now,” the health representative said. “We have multiple expert groups that are starting to follow that virus and studying that virus , both within WHO and externally with our partners, so that we can better understand that virus ,” Abeyasinghe added.that Lambda is believed to be more transmissible, and may affect the efficacy rate and a person’s reaction to antibody treatments.
“If you talk about a variant that is highly transmissible, then that will be responsible for surge of cases and hospitalizations. Most likely for those vulnerable, that can also be higher risk of mortality,” Solante told CNN Philippines.