In the town of Willow Creek, a severe outbreak of a rare virus occurred in the spring of 2020. The residents took drastic measures to prevent the spread of the virus, resulting in a significant reduction in outside contact. After several months, it was reported that approximately 80% of the population had succumbed to the virus. However, about 20% of the residents survived, with many of them showing no symptoms at all. One notable survivor, John Smith, lost his wife and three children to the virus but remained healthy throughout the outbreak. Researchers later discovered that a large number of the survivors possessed a specific genetic mutation known as gamma 45.

Which of the following, if true, most undermines the implications made within the passage?