France has discovered a new type of coronavirus with some mutations that scientists have never seen before.
According to French newspaper Le Telegramme, the new variant – called B.1.X or B.1.640 – infected 24 people in a school in the country in October. Since then, several cases have been identified in the UK, Switzerland, Scotland and Italy.
Cyril Cohen, a professor at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, explained that variant B.1.640 contains some new mutations that have not been seen before.
For example, the spiky protein, which allows the virus to attach to a human cell and infect humans, contains hitherto unverified deletions.
He added that this situation could make it difficult for vaccines to determine the peak of the protein before it infects the population.
The alternative may have come from Africa, Cohen said, something that could have been avoided if the world had greater access to vaccines.
“This alternative shows that if we leave part of the world’s population without vaccinations, the virus will continue to multiply, which leads to more variables,” the expert said.
The new shape is emerging as cases increase across Europe. Experts said there may be a new variant circulating in Europe at this time, which is why cases are rising so quickly.
William Shakespeare is a journalist and feature writer specialising in culture, entertainment, history, and current affairs. With a keen eye for storytelling and analysis, he produces informative articles that help readers understand the people, ideas, and events influencing modern life.
