Thread by @latimes

California scientists have discovered a homegrown coronavirus strain that appears to be propagating faster than any other variant on the loose in California

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Two independent research groups said they stumbled upon the new strain while looking for signs that a highly transmissible variant from the U.K. had established itself here.

Instead, they found a new branch of the virus’ family tree.

latimes.com/science/story/…

Researchers believe the new strain is the prime suspect in California’s vicious holiday surge due to its sudden rise and distinctive mutations.

The new strain, which scientists have dubbed B.1.426, bears five mutations in its genetic code.

latimes.com/science/story/…

Spotty surveillance had detected a single instance of B.1.426 in California way back in July. As far as scientists can tell, it lay low for the next three months.

Then it got busy.

The strain’s sudden prominence elicited both wonder and sorrow.

latimes.com/science/story/…

To clarify B.1.426’s role in the surge, investigators will need to determine just how much devastation it is capable of producing.

That inquiry will focus on its transmissibility & its ability to circumvent the tools to bring the pandemic under control.
latimes.com/science/story/…

For now, researchers doubt they have found a lone actor in the COVID-19 surge. But they may have caught an accomplice.

Researchers are skeptical because the surge in cases across CA seems to have begun before the new strain saw its steepest growth.

latimes.com/science/story/…

Read more from @LATmelissahealy and @ronlin about how researchers will test the new COVID-19 strain and how it impacted California’s surge in cases at

latimes.com/science/story/…