Just when the world thought it could catch a break from the brutality that is COVID-19.

A new variant has been detected in France, that is more contagious. Named IHU, the new B.1.640.2 variant has so far infected 22 people living in Southeastern France.

It is referred to as ‘IHU’ as it was detected by researchers at Instituts Hospitalo Universitaires (IHU) Mediterranean infection.

Genetic lineage of SARS-coV-2 have been emerging and circulating around the world since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Delta and Omicron are the two variants of concern so far identified by the centers for disease control and prevention.

A genetic analysis of the variant found that it contains 46 mutations and 37 deletions from the original SAR s.coV-2 of those, there are 14 Amino acid substitutions and nine deletions on the spike protein, which is what SARS-CoV-2 uses to latch onto your cells. The B.1.640.2 has not been identified in other countries s for or labelled a variant under investigation by the world Healty organization (WHO).Thank you for reading this article please remember to like, share, comment and follow me for more articles updates.