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According to the pan-African health organization Africa CDC, another new variant of the coronavirus is circulating in Nigeria.
It looks like it evolved separately from the virus mutants in South Africa and the UK, Africa CDC head John Nkengasong said Thursday.
However, there is still little data on it and further research is being carried out.
The variant was discovered in two patient samples taken in August and October, according to a report by researchers in Nigeria.
How widespread the new variant is in Nigeria or in other countries is not yet known.
Nkengasong emphasized, however, that mutations in such viruses are not uncommon.
“We should expect these new variants to continue to emerge.” However, the variant in Nigeria does not have exactly the same mutation N501Y that is held responsible for the rapid spread of the corona mutant in Great Britain.
Researchers have already discovered several coronaviruses with genetic changes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also pointed out that all viruses change over time.
Most mutations do not bring them any advantages, some even disadvantages.
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