Experts familiar with infectious diseases abroad have said that the new mutant virus identified in South Africa needs to be seen a little more to see how effective the vaccine is.
More than 30 mutations in "Spike Protein"
Atsuro Hamada, a specially appointed professor at Tokyo Medical University who is familiar with overseas infectious diseases, said, "This mutant virus has more than 30 mutations in the" spike protein "part on the surface, and it has more mutations than the Delta strain, so it is infectious. It may lead to an increase and impact on vaccines. I think that investigation is underway, but it seems that WHO has made VOC = a mutant strain of concern because it may be highly infectious at this stage. It may be necessary to take a closer look at how much the effect of the vaccine will be affected. "
We are currently taking preventive measures
Regarding the response in Japan, "Infected people have been found in Hong Kong, and there is a possibility that they will enter Japan. First of all, it is important to strictly monitor the health of immigrants from South Africa and its surroundings. What we should be careful about in Japan is to proceed with the preventive measures that we are currently taking. We will proceed with the third booster vaccination that will start in Japan, and wear a mask on a daily basis to keep a distance. It may be possible to prevent it considerably by taking preventive measures such as. "