Researchers have identified a mutation in the genetic code of SARS-CoV-2 that mirrors changes scientists saw in the 2003 SARS outbreak.
SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes the illness COVID-19. In the mutation, 81 letters in the virus’s genome had been deleted.
Viral mutations are a normal part of a virus’s evolution and can alter the severity of the disease they cause. In the case of SARS-CoV-2, the finding is of interest because the nature of the mutation suggests it may have an association with a less severe form of the disease.
A less virulent virus may have a selective advantage over other strains. Stay informed with live updates on the current COVID-19 outbreak and visit our coronavirus hub for more advice on prevention and