A new mutation of SARS-CoV-2 has been discovered in the French city of Marseilles, RIA Novosti reports.
According to scientists, COVID-19 tests in 12 people showed an “atypical” mutation.
The new strain of the virus is called B.1.640.2. It was first found in a man returning from Cameroon in November. Genome analysis revealed 46 mutations, the researchers said.
“Thus, the pattern of genome mutations indicates a new version that we have named (IHU) (given the name of our university),” the statement said.
An omicron strain of the coronavirus, found in Botswana in November, is currently spreading in France. According to epidemiologists and virologists, the new strain is spreading faster than the previous ones. Infection with this type of COVID-19 is milder than in previous strains.
