HAGERSTOWN, MD — A mutated variant of the COVID-19 virus that can hide from vaccinated and previously infected individuals that was first detected in the United States in a California traveler nine months ago has since spread across the country, reaching Maryland, according to a federal study.
Known as the COVID-19 BA.3.2 variant, it stands out from previous variants because its makeup is “substantially” different with about 70-75 mutations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So far, the newest strain is not proving to be more virulent than previous COVID variants. It causes the familiar cold-like symptoms.
The mutated COVID strain is being detected in wastewater samples in western and southern Maryland. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention released a report this month on the COVID-19 BA.3.2 variant and how it can hide from immune cells…