International Expansion of a Novel SARS-CoV-2 Mutant

RNA viruses such as coronavirus are rapidly evolving pathogens that can accumulate considerable genetic diversity in relatively short time periods. Mutation accumulated in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genomes during its pandemic spread can cause unpredictable effects on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and further complicate epidemic control efforts (1). Here we report that a novel SARS-CoV-2 mutation in its ORF3a gene appears to be spreading worldwide, which deserves close attention.