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A new Corona variant has been discovered in France. This is the Corona variant B.1.640.2 . It appears that the now discovered variant was brought to France by a traveler returning from Cameroon. Since then, there are said to be a total of 12 confirmed cases of B.1.640.2. Is Omikron not even really here yet – and already the next threat is just around the corner?
At least 12 cases of infection due to new Corona variant
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Once again, a new variant of the insidious corona virus has been discovered. This time, the new coronavirus variant is believed to have once again originated in Africa. A traveler returning from Cameroon is believed to have infected at least 12 people with the new variant, according to various French media outlets. The variant discovered in the traveller is said to have completely “atypical mutation combinations”. The new variant had been examined by experts of the French government in a preliminary study. A total of 46 different mutations had been identified in the new variant.
Numerous mutations discovered in new variant
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According to the scientists, the mutations found in the new variant included the previously known N501Y and E484K. N501Y had first appeared in the alpha variant and apparently ensures that the virus can attach more tightly to human cells. This is another reason why the virus can spread more easily. Whether the newly discovered variant is actually more infectious, however, is still awaiting further research data. For the time being, the new variant has been given the provisional name B.1.640.2. The variant was first discovered about a month ago by scientists at the IHU Méditerranée Infection research institute in Marseille.