This study investigates the emergence and distribution of novel mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome, focusing on the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene. By analyzing 220 genomic sequences from the GISAID database, the researchers identified eight recurrent mutations at positions 1397, 2891, 14408, 17746, 17857, 18060, 23403, and 28881. These mutations were predominantly observed in Europe and North America, with different patterns of mutation frequency. Notably, a silent mutation in the RdRp gene was first detected in England on February 9, 2020, followed by an amino acid-changing mutation in Italy on February 20, 2020. Viruses with the RdRp mutation had a median of 3 point mutations, compared to 1 mutation in strains without the mutation. The study suggests that the virus is evolving, with European, North American, and Asian strains potentially coexisting and characterized by distinct mutation patterns. The findings highlight the need to investigate the impact of these mutations on viral fitness and drug resistance, as several drugs targeting RdRp are being used for treatment.This study investigates the emergence and distribution of novel mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome, focusing on the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene. By analyzing 220 genomic sequences from the GISAID database, the researchers identified eight recurrent mutations at positions 1397, 2891, 14408, 17746, 17857, 18060, 23403, and 28881. These mutations were predominantly observed in Europe and North America, with different patterns of mutation frequency. Notably, a silent mutation in the RdRp gene was first detected in England on February 9, 2020, followed by an amino acid-changing mutation in Italy on February 20, 2020. Viruses with the RdRp mutation had a median of 3 point mutations, compared to 1 mutation in strains without the mutation. The study suggests that the virus is evolving, with European, North American, and Asian strains potentially coexisting and characterized by distinct mutation patterns. The findings highlight the need to investigate the impact of these mutations on viral fitness and drug resistance, as several drugs targeting RdRp are being used for treatment.