The COVID-19 mu variant “definitely” here, says Nebraska Medicine’s chief infectious disease doctor

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OMAHA, Nebraska (WOWT): A new COVID-19 variant is making its way into the United States, but Nebraska is the only state that has yet reported a case of the mu variant.

“We certainly have this variant in Nebraska, although it has not been formally defined,” said Dr. Mark Rupp of Nebraska Medicine.

The mu variant was first identified in Columbia, and at this time it is unclear to what extent it may become a threat.

“It has not really been demonstrated whether this particular variant has the ability to be more easily transmitted from person to person,” Dr. Rupp said. “Or, if the strain causes more serious illness or escapes our immune protections.”

In order to track the potential threat of the variant, Dr. Rupp says COVID-19 testing is key.

“It is clear that we emphasized the state tests. We dismantled the main organization that was testing people across the state, “said Dr. Rupp, referring to the closure of Test Nebraska sites, which offered free trials and were easily accessible statewide.” hindering our ability to know what’s going on across the state. “

More testing means more opportunities to sequence samples and identify variants of COVID-19, and the type of testing, Dr. Rupp said.

“Many of the tests that are being done now are through quick tests in which we may not get our hands on the information or be able to get the specific viral strain.”

And while the mu variant is on the radar, experts say the delta remains the biggest threat, accounting for the vast majority of COVID cases.

“It is clear that it is not as successful as the delta variant. With the delta everywhere it has been introduced, it really takes off and becomes the predominant strain, ”said Dr. Rupp, calling on people to get vaccinated and stay alert.

“We have to stand out for people to do the right thing,” he said. “If you have symptoms, take the test. If you have had an exhibition, take the test “.

6 News asked the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services if it tests the mu variant as often as others and was informed by state labs that they were continuously monitoring all new COVID-19 variants. which are reported on their website in a list of updates on Wednesdays.

This week the state did not report any cases of the mu variant and the Douglas County Department of Health confirmed Thursday that no such cases had been reported locally.

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