"Mysterious Variant" of COVID-19: New Discovery in Sewage of an American City

Researchers have discovered a "mysterious type" of the novel coronavirus in the sewage water of New York City. According to the Deseret News, a team of researchers in New York found this previously unidentified variant in the city's wastewater. The researchers stated in their paper that there is currently no evidence suggesting that the mysterious variant "poses a threat to humans," noting that it contains "unique mutations." Virologist John Dennehy from Queens College emphasized the importance of understanding the source of all variants that emerge, as it helps in better understanding the virus itself. Mutations are a characteristic feature of most viruses, leading to the emergence of new variants or strains. Concerns arise among doctors regarding COVID-19 variants' potential to resist the body's natural immunity or counter known vaccines.