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African health authorities are still at the beginning of investigations into the new mutant coronavirus, which apparently could have developed separately from other mutations (as in South Africa).
In Nigeria According to the pan-African health organization Africa CDC, another new variant of coronavirus is circulating. It appears to have evolved separately from mutant viruses in South Africa and the United Kingdom, CDC Africa chief John Nkengasong said Thursday. However, there is still little data on this and research continues.
The variant was discovered in two patient samples taken in August and October, according to a report by researchers from Nigeria emerges. How widespread is the new variant in Nigeria or in other countries it is not yet known. Nkengasong emphasized, however, that mutations in such viruses are not uncommon. “We should expect these new variants to continue to appear.” The variant in Nigeria However, I do not have the exact same N501Y mutation that is believed to be responsible for the rapid spread of the Corona mutant in Britain.
Altered viruses keep appearing
Researchers have already discovered several coronaviruses with genetic changes. The World Health Organization (WHO) also noted that all viruses change over time. Most mutations have no advantages, some even disadvantages.
Britain and South Africa recently announced the discovery of new variants of the corona virus. These have similarities but were developed independently. As a result, several states, including Germany, restricted travel from these countries.
South African Health Minister Zweli Mkhize had already spoken last week that the 501.V2 variant was circulating in his country. It will air quickly in South Africa and is responsible for most of the second wave of the corona pandemic there, CDC chief Nkengasong said Thursday. However, he sees no reason to restrict travel in Africa. Anyway, you need a negative corona test when traveling across the continent.
On Wednesday, British Health Minister Matt Hancock reported two cases of the 501.V2 mutant from South Africa in Britain. In Great Britain, variant B.1.1.7. (also VUI.202012 / 01), which has been around for a long time. It should also spread very quickly but not trigger any increase in symptoms. In Denmark, 33 cases of this British variant have already been recorded.
(WHAT / dpa)
