New highly mutated Covid-19 variant detected in France
Scientists in France have identified a new, more mutated strain of coronavirus, the local sources reported. Named IHU, the B.1.640.2 variant was discovered by the academics at institute IHU Mediterranee Infection. Researchers say that it contains 46 mutations - even more than Omicron - which makes it more resistant to vaccines and infectious.
At least 12 cases of the new variant have been reported near Marseilles, and has been linked to travel to the African country Cameroon.
However, then Omicron variant is still the dominant strain in most parts of the world. However, IHU variant’s threat is rapidly rising.
The B.1.640.2 has not been spotted in other countries or labelled a variant under investigation by the World Health Organization (WHO).