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NICD Discovers New Covid-19 Variant in SA, Botswana & Hong Kong

SOUTH AFRICA
  • The National Institute for Communicable Diseases has confirmed the emergence of a new COVID19 variant in South Africa
  • Scientists are monitoring a new Covid-19 variant with an "extremely high number" of mutations that has been detected in SA, Botswana and Hong Kong.
  • Only 10 cases have been confirmed in the three countries by genomic sequencing but there is concern that the number of mutations could enable the virus to evade immunity
  • Virologist said the high number of spike mutations suggested the B.1.1.529 variant could be of concern but added that it could also be an "odd cluster" that was not very transmissible
MNI London Bureau | +44 020-3983-7894 | murray.nichol@marketnews.com
MNI London Bureau | +44 020-3983-7894 | murray.nichol@marketnews.com

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