January 6, 2022
1 min read

WHO downplays new Covid variant detected in France

The strain is also known as the ‘IHU’ variant because it was first identified by academics at the IHU Mediterranee Infection institute in Marseille…reports Asian Lite News

The new Covid-19 variant called B.1.640, which was detected by French researchers and is probably of Cameroonian origin, is not “circulating widely at the moment” and has so far been identified in less than 1 per cent of the samples sequenced in France, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

The strain is also known as the ‘IHU’ variant because it was first identified by academics at the IHU Mediterranee Infection institute in Marseille, France, reports Xinhua news agency.

At a press briefing on THursday, Maria van Kerkhove, technical lead for the WHO’s Health Emergencies Program, said that the variant was first detected in September 2021 in a number of countries.

Botswana achieves WHO Covid-19 vaccination target

Following internal discussions, the WHO classified it as a “variant under monitoring” (VUM) in November 2021.

According to the WHO’s definition, a VUM is SARS-CoV-2 variant with genetic changes that are suspected to affect virus characteristics, which may pose a future risk, but evidence of phenotypic or epidemiological impact is currently unclear, thus requiring enhanced monitoring and repeat assessment pending new evidence.

Van Kerkhove explained that since the B.1.640 variant has many mutations, the WHO classified it as a VUM is to raise the public’s awareness.

She reiterated that current Covid-19 vaccines do work against all variants that are circulating and are highly effective against preventing severe diseases and death.

“I think that’s really important for the public to know … when it is your turn, get vaccinated because it’s really critical,” she said.

Katherine O’Brien, director of the WHO’s Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals Department, said that B.1.640 is not a variant that is increasing in prevalence but is a small fraction of the strains that are circulating.

ALSO READ: Cuba tightens border controls amid Covid surge

Previous Story

Panel to Probe Lapse in Modi’s Security

Next Story

Foreign funding lands Imran in a Soup

Latest from -Top News

Trump tariffs send world markets into panic

US benchmark crude oil shed $2.70 to $64.25 a barrel after major oil producers announced they plan to increase production. Brent crude, the international standard, was down $2.63 at $67.51 a barrel

EU prepares retaliation for Trump’s tariffs

The European Commission is assembling a fresh round of counter-tariffs aimed at US goods, adding to two existing lists of potential targets—one of which includes products that were hit by suspended tariffs

US, EU slam China’s war games near Taiwan

US President Donald Trump underscored the need to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait, advocating for a diplomatic approach to cross-strait tensions while warning against the use of force The United States

£13.9 billion of R&D fund to boost innovation, jobs

Funding outlined to support transformational R&D in areas like life sciences, green energy, engineering and beyond More UK innovators like those developing treatment-transforming dementia tests or building world-leading testing facilities to power
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Busting the vaccination myths

The Centre said it is playing a role of an

India to press IAF into service for oxygen import

The Central government is also planning to press the Indian