New COVID-19 Variant Discovered in France... "Possesses 46 Mutations"

"Has vaccine-resistant mutations"
"Controlling COVID-19 variants is extremely difficult"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] As a new COVID-19 variant has been discovered in France, global health authorities are on high alert. The variant is reported to have 46 mutations, more than any previously identified strain, raising concerns about potential vaccine resistance and spreading fear worldwide.

On the 3rd (local time), according to foreign media including the UK Daily Mail, the IHU Mediterranean Infection Research Center in Marseille, France, reported through a paper that a new mutation was found in the southern region of France. The paper has not yet undergone peer review, and the research team named the variant 'B.1.640.2.'

This variant is believed to have been initially spread by a traveler from Cameroon, Africa, and has so far been transmitted to 12 people in Marseille, southern France. It is identified to have 46 mutations and 37 gene deletions. Due to the numerous mutations, there are concerns that it may have greater vaccine resistance and higher infectivity than the Omicron variant.

The research team stated, "Test results indicate that this variant possesses some mutations that increase resistance to vaccines," adding, "This discovery shows how unpredictable the emergence of COVID-19 variants is and how difficult it is to control their spread."

However, the Daily Mail reported that it is still uncertain whether this variant will surpass Omicron, which is currently the dominant strain in France, and increase its spread in the country. The variant is considered a distant relative of Omicron, having evolved from the original virus, and was first detected on the 10th of last month but has not spread rapidly.