A third of COVID survivors suffer neurological or mental disorders: study – Reuters

One in three COVID-19 survivors in a study of more than 230,000 mostly American patients were diagnosed with a brain or psychiatric disorder within six months, suggesting the pandemic could lead to a wave of mental and neurological problems, scientists said on Tuesday.

Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 Variants B.1.429 and B.1.351 – NEJM

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant B.1.429 (also called CAL.20C or 542R.V1), first identified in California,1 is spreading rapidly in the United States and has been found in at least 25 other countries (see updates at https://www.gisaid.org/hcov19-variants/. opens in new tab). This variant contains three spike mutations that are major targets for neutralizing antibodies; one mutation (L452R) is located in the receptor-binding motif, and another (W152C) in the N-terminal domain supersite.

Amid warning of a fourth U.S. surge, eyes are turning to a spike in the Upper Midwest – NYT

As states lift restrictions and worrisome coronavirus variants spread, scientists and federal health officials have been warning that a fourth surge of cases could arise in the United States even as the nation’s vaccination campaign gathers speed. The seeds of such a surge may now be sprouting in the Upper Midwest and the Northeast.

CDC Says More Virulent British Strain Of Coronavirus Now Dominant In U.S. – NPR

A more easily spread coronavirus variant first identified in England last year has now become the dominant strain in the U.S., the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday.

Vaccine Headlines

U.K. says under-30s should get a non-AstraZeneca option; E.U. finds a ‘possible link’ to rare clots. – NYT

Britain said on Wednesday that it would offer alternatives to the AstraZeneca vaccine for adults under 30 as European regulators described a “possible link” with rare blood clots, a setback for the world’s most widely used vaccine and a blow to the more than 100 countries relying on it to save lives amid a global surge in coronavirus cases.

Vaccine Refusal May Put Herd Immunity At Risk, Researchers Warn – NPR

Despite the fact that millions of people have been vaccinated safely, Kraner worries about complications. She believes some people are having “life-threatening reactions” to the vaccine that the media aren’t reporting. (Many such reports shared on social media are false or misleading.) And she’s worried because it’s so new: “We don’t know the long-term effects. We don’t know what it’s going to do.”

CDC Says More Virulent British Strain Of Coronavirus Now Dominant In U.S. – NPR

A more easily spread coronavirus variant first identified in England last year has now become the dominant strain in the U.S., the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday.

Moderna’s COVID Vax Produces Antibody Responses 6 Months Later – MedPageToday

Antibodies persisted 6 months after the second dose of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine in younger and middle-age adults, but were diminished in older adults when using more sensitive assays, according to data from an ongoing phase I trial.

Patients Allergic to COVID Vax Got Dose 2 With Graded Dosing – MedPageToday

A graded dosing protocol allowed two patients with hypersensitivity reactions to the first dose of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine to receive their second doses safely, researchers said.

Clinical Considerations

COVID Triggers Novel Infectious Skin Condition in Teen – MedPageToday

The 17-year-old boy presented to the emergency department with 3 days of mouth pain and “nonpainful penile erosions,” and after extensive testing, was diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2-associated reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption, reported Zachary Holcomb, MD, of Boston Children’s Hospital, and colleagues.

Most Kids with MIS-C Report Few or No COVID-19 Symptoms: Study – The Scientist

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began last year, more than 3,000 kids have been diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, a serious condition linked to coronavirus infection that involves organ dysfunction, low blood pressure, fever, and other symptoms, and 36 children have died from it.

Guillain-Barre After COVID-19 Vaccine: Case Report – MedPageToday

A case report revealed details about a person who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) 10 days after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine in a clinical trial in Boston.