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Addis Ababa (dpa) - According to the pan-African health organization Africa CDC, another new coronavirus variant 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 keep appearing."

However, the variant in Nigeria does not have exactly the same mutation N501Y, which is held responsible for the rapid spread of the corona mutant in Great Britain.

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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.

Great Britain and South Africa recently announced the discovery of new variants of the corona virus.

These have similarities but developed independently.

As a result, a number of states, including Germany, restricted travel from these countries.

The South African Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize had already spoken last week that variant 501.V2 was circulating in his country.

It will be transmitted quickly in South Africa and is responsible for the majority of the second wave of the corona pandemic there, said CDC head Nkengasong on Thursday.

However, he sees no reason to restrict travel in Africa.

You need a negative corona test when traveling on the continent anyway.

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On Wednesday, British Health Minister Matt Hancock reported two cases of the 501.V2 mutant from South Africa in Great Britain.

In Great Britain, variant B.1.1.7.

(also VUI.202012 / 01), which has been around for a long time.

It should also be transmitted very quickly but not trigger any increased symptoms.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 201224-99-806329 / 2

NHS investigation into the new virus variant

WHO communication