RT.com
25 Nov 2021, 17:43 GMT+10
Scientists are sounding the alarm, as what could be the most highly-evolved strain of the coronavirus has been discovered in patients in different parts of the world. Its resistance to vaccines adds to the concerns.
The latest known variant of Covid-19 has significant changes in its spikes, which could make it invincible to vaccination. It could be the most highly-evolved coronavirus strain yet, as 32 mutations have apparently been detected in it. The currently dominant, highly transmissible Delta strain, which has contributed to this year's surge in cases globally, has at least 11 spike mutations.
Originally spotted in three patients in Botswana - and thus known as the Botswana variant - it has already been found in three countries since the first infections on November 11. Six cases have been detected in South Africa, and one more was later registered in Hong Kong, according to British media.
The Hong Kong patient recently traveled to China from South Africa - putting scientists on high alert, as the new variant could have spread anywhere through international travel. The patient is also said to be double vaccinated.
READ MORE: Spiky death: how long will Covid remain a threat?
News of the mutated strain, known as B.1.1.529 and which could end up being named 'Nu', was shared by Tom Peacock, a virologist at London's Imperial College Department of Infectious Disease. Describing the Botswana variant's spike profile as "horrific," he tweeted that it could be "worse antigenically than nearly anything else about."
Warning that the new variant has a "very long branch length and really awful spike mutation profile," the virologist said it "very, very much should be monitored." On the bright side, according to researchers, the high number of mutations could mean the variant is unstable, which might prevent it from becoming widespread.
So far, Covid-19 has killed more than five million people globally, with over 259.5 million infected.
(RT.com)
Get a daily dose of London Mercury news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to London Mercury.
More InformationFor Nebraska pig farmers, sustainability is more than just a buzzword
Officials- Nebraska inmate attacks Tecumseh staff member
Nurse Admits Amputating Man's Leg Without Permission UK Crime
North Carolina Sheriff Retires Amid Sexual Misconduct Charges Latest News
Detroit-Area McDonald's Employee Kills Co-Worker After Argument Latest News
Ex-NBA Player Ben McLemore Sentenced To Prison For Rape Latest News
BASTROP, Texas: In a surprising turn at Elon Musk's X platform, CEO Linda Yaccarino announced she is stepping down, just months after...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Former British prime minister Rishi Sunak will return to Goldman Sachs in an advisory role, the Wall Street...
LONDON, U.K.: Physically backed gold exchange-traded funds recorded their most significant semi-annual inflow since the first half...
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands: Some 32 percent of global semiconductor production could face climate change-related copper supply disruptions...
NEW YORK, New York - U.S. stocks rebounded Tuesday with all the major indices gaining ground. Markets in the UK, Europe and Canada...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Financial markets kicked off the week on a cautious note as President Donald Trump rolled out a fresh round...