A new super-variant can be created in case of a human contracted dual infection by Delta, and Omicron COVID-19 variants at the same time, Moderna official Paul Burton warned on Wednesday.
Although getting infected by two variants at the same time is rare, it can result to a new mutation due to the rapid changes that would occur to the DNA of the virus’ cell.
Burton explained that Delta and Omicron infections are surging now across the UK, so the possibility of watching dual infections by both strains in the same time is more possible.
“There’s certainly data, there have been some papers published again from South Africa earlier from the pandemic when people — and certainly immunocompromised — can harbour both viruses,” Moderna expert told the parliamentary Science and Technology Committee.
He continued: “That would be possible here, particularly given the number of infections that we were seeing.”
Moderna official highlighted that this could trigger a new and more dangerous COVID-19 mutations, in addition, three COVID-19 variants were created by virus swapping genes.
Currently, Omicron comes over Delta as the dominant Coronavirus strain in the UK. Therefore, authorities are working on giving more booster shots to citizens as the latest case studies operated by experts showed that the booster vaccine jab could be more effective and protective.
