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(CNN) – A new variant of COVID-19 circulating in the UK was discovered after a tip from a South African scientist who had just identified a similar variant in his own country.
Tulio de Oliveira, a genomics expert in South Africa, asked to speak to a World Health Organization task force on December 4 about the new variant that was spreading rapidly in his country, according to an email obtained by CNN.
He spoke with the group that day and suggested that they search their genomic databases for similar variants.
One of the members in attendance was Andrew Rambaut, a professor at the University of Edinburgh. He found a similar variant in the UK database.
Rambaut tweeted on December 20 that Oliviera’s discovery was a “clue” for the UK to look for a similar variant.
Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead for the WHO coronavirus response, also said De Oliveira’s discovery prompted British scientists to look at the different types of variants.
“I am so grateful that we have this [international] collaboration, “he said.
This story was first published on CNN.com, “South Africa’s COVID-19 variant prompted UK discovery.”
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