Throughout the pandemic, the coronavirus has spawned a multitude of mutations: from the once-dominant Alpha variant to the still-raging Delta strain. One reason Lambda has attracted attention is that it has a mutation known as L452Q, which is similar to a mutation known as L452R that has been found in the Delta variant and the so-called California variant, also known as the Epsilon variant, Pinsky said. “We need to be prepared for the potential that this virus could mutate to evade existing vaccines,” Pinsky said. There are at least 152 documented cases of the Lambda variant in California, according to the state Department of Public Health. In California, nearly 91% of coronavirus cases analyzed in July were identified as the Delta variant, state figures show.

Source: Los Angeles Times August 18, 2021 13:52 UTC