New Covid-19 variant found in S. Africa

 






Africas covid situation went from bad to worse as cases exploded from about 106 at the beginning of this month to over 1,000 per day. Scientists say they have discovered a new variant of the virus and it could potentially be even more aggressive than the recent delta variant.

"Unfortunately we have detected a new variant which is a reason for concern in South Africa," virologist Tulio de Oliveira told a hastily-called news conference. The variant, which goes by the scientific lineage number B.1.1.529, "has a very high number of mutations," he said, expressing hope that the World Health Organization will give it a Greek name on Friday.

This new variant is thought to go over 10 different mutations compared to the three or four seen with the delta variant. The WHO made a statement that they are monitoring the situation and will have to make a determination on the status of this variant in a few days time. Since this new strain has been detected in at least two countries from S. African travelers, the chances of keeping it contained decreased. Click below for more details on this breaking news story.

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