The so-called lambda strain of COVID-19 contains several mutations in the spike protein that affect the degree of infectivity, said Russian doctor of medical sciences, immunologist Vladislav Zhemchugov.

The lambda strain of the virus was initially identified in Peru, Chile, Ecuador and Argentina at the end of 2020. So far, scientists do not have evidence that the new strain provokes a more severe course of COVID-19 or that vaccines are not effective enough against it.

According to Zhemchugov, this strain is a reflection of the natural mutation process of the virus.

The new strain, according to the specialist, will quickly infect those who have not yet been ill and have not been vaccinated.

The new design gives this coronavirus a reproduction advantage. It begins to spread and supplant the previous ones, he added.