Health
Ministry of Health confirms a single case of Mu COVID-19 variant
#TurksandCaicos, September 9, 2021 – A single individual has been identified with the Mu variant in the TCI. This result was included in the last batch of results received from the Caribbean Public Health Agency for sequencing on 30th July 2021. At the time, the variant was listed among 8 other results received in which identified 4 cases of the delta variant. The individual has since recovered.
Viruses are known to mutate and result in variants which may have different characteristics.
The delta variant remains the dominant variant circulating in at least 170 countries since it was first identified in October 2020 and has rapidly spread and is highly transmissible. It may also be associated with more severe disease.
The mu variant or B.1.621, was added to the WHO’s list of variants “of interest” only last week and has mutations which may indicate that it can evade the immune protection provided by natural infection or vaccination. The mu variant was first detected in Colombia but has now been confirmed in over 39 countries. This variant is being closely monitored along with other variants of interest in order to determine whether it will be classified as a variant of concern along with the four main variants of concern which are the alpha, beta, gamma and delta variants.
SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 variants, if considered to have concerning epidemiological, immunological or pathogenic properties, are raised for formal investigation. At this point they are designated Variant Under Investigation (VUI). Following a risk assessment, they may be designated Variant of Concern (VOC).
Vaccines remain critical to the overall response to the COVID19 pandemic and are still shown to be effective in reducing the risk of contracting COVID19 as well as preventing hospitalization and death including against the circulating variants.
The Ministry of Health reminds the general public of the importance in following public health advice including;
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
- Maintain physical distancing of 6 feet between persons
- Wear face coverings in public settings (covering nose and mouth)
- Avoid mass gatherings or crowds
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or use disposable tissues
- Comply with public health measures
- Stay home where possible, especially if you are a member of the vulnerable group
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19 which include; cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, fever, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste or smell-please stay home and contact the Health Hotlines on 232 9444 or 333 0911
- Do not visit health care facilities if you have symptoms or signs of COVID-19, call the Health Hotlines for guidance unless your symptoms are severe
- If you are under quarantine by the Public Health Team, please remain at home and comply with the guidance provided to you.
- If you are contacted by the Public Health Team as a part of contact tracing activities, please provide all of the information requested to assist them in their investigations
- Get tested-visit your community testing sites for free testing offered by the Ministry of Health
- Stay informed with the latest information from the Ministry of Health by visiting our website on https://www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus/