Scientists Search for Mystery Person in Ohio with New Cryptic Lineage of COVID

Introduction

The search is on for a mystery person in Ohio who has been shedding a new type of COVID virus into the sewage. This intriguing discovery has caught the attention of scientists, who are eager to unravel the secrets of this cryptic lineage. Marc Johnson, a professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, reached out on Twitter, seeking assistance to solve this COVID mystery.

Unraveling the Cryptic Lineage

While browsing through a database of COVID samples, Johnson stumbled upon a previously unseen version or "lineage" of the virus. Astonishingly, this unique strain was found in substantial quantities and traced back to a single individual in Ohio. The presence of the viral material has been predominantly detected in two locations: Columbus and Washington Court House, approximately 40 miles apart. Speculation suggests that the mystery person may reside in one city while working in the other.

Not a Public Health Emergency

Despite the discovery of this enigmatic COVID lineage, Johnson reassures the public that it does not pose an immediate public health threat. He suggests that the individual likely suffers from a form of "long COVID" that is not contagious. However, investigating such lineages and identifying the individuals responsible for spreading them could provide valuable insights into the mutation patterns of COVID and shed light on the phenomenon of super-shedders who harbor the virus for extended periods.

Cryptic COVID Lineages: Unveiling the Mutational Potential

Johnson has been diligently examining "cryptic" COVID lineages in wastewater across the United States since 2021. These strains represent variations of the virus that have not been observed before. According to Johnson, these cryptic lineages illustrate that SARS-CoV-2 still holds surprises and much remains unknown. Although these lineages have only been detected in wastewater samples thus far, they might serve as precursors to future variants. In fact, even before the emergence of the Omicron variant, researchers had been collecting and studying COVID samples that fell into the category of cryptic lineages. A recent preprint paper authored by Johnson and his team, which is yet to undergo peer review, supports the notion that these cryptic lineages share similarities with Omicron.

From Nursing Homes to Office Buildings: Uncovering the Source

The initial cryptic-COVID lineage discovered by Johnson in 2021 serves as a prime example of his findings. The concentration of the virus in the wastewater was so substantial that Johnson suspected it might originate from a nursing home or possibly an animal reservoir such as a dog shelter. However, further investigation led his team to trace the lineage back to a single office building in Wisconsin, housing approximately 30 employees. This discovery astounded Johnson, as he had never witnessed such extensive shedding of the virus by an individual.

Ohio's Mystery Person: Narrowing Down the Search

The situation in Ohio now mirrors the earlier discovery in Wisconsin. Johnson, along with his followers on Twitter, has managed to narrow down the list of potential individuals to around 1,600. This figure corresponds to the estimated number of individuals commuting daily from Washington Court House to Columbus, as reported by the US Census. Although concerns have been raised about potential invasion of medical privacy, Johnson clarifies that there is no manhunt taking place. He emphasizes that the reason behind his public disclosure is to encourage anyone who recognizes themselves, a friend, or a family member as a possible carrier of the cryptic lineage to seek medical assistance.

Seeking Treatment and Understanding

Johnson believes that the mystery person in Ohio may be experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms and may be entirely unaware of their long-COVID infection. He hopes that this person realizes they are shedding the virus and takes the necessary steps to consult a doctor. While Johnson expresses curiosity about the specific details surrounding this case, his primary concern is the well-being of the individual and their access to appropriate medical treatment.

Conclusion

The search for the mystery person in Ohio harboring a novel cryptic lineage of COVID continues. Scientists like Marc Johnson are committed to uncovering the secrets of these elusive strains and their implications for public health. By understanding how the virus mutates and identifying individuals with long-term shedding, we can gain valuable insights into combating the ongoing pandemic. If you suspect you or someone you know may be connected to this cryptic lineage, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

References:

( Insider - [https://www.insider.com/mystery-ohio-person-has-new-covid-high-viral-load-2023-6)