[ad_1]
Thursday, December 24, 2020
Different from the British mutation
Nigeria also reports a new crown variant
Great Britain and South Africa recently announced the discovery of new variants of the coronavirus. The researchers found another mutation in samples from two Nigerian patients. According to the information, there is no cause for concern.
According to the pan-African health organization Africa CDC, another new variant of the coronavirus is circulating in Nigeria. It appears to have evolved separately from mutant viruses in South Africa and the United Kingdom, said CDC Africa Director John Nkengasong. 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 Nigerian researchers.
It is not yet known how widespread the new variant is in Nigeria or other countries. Nkengasong emphasized, however, that mutations in such viruses are not uncommon. “We should expect these new variants to continue to appear.” However, the variant in Nigeria does not have the exact same N501Y mutation, which is believed to be responsible for the rapid spread of the crown mutant in Britain.
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.
Africa does not close borders
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 Director Nkengasong said. 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.
