Amid the worldwide surge of Omicron cases, a new coronavirus variant named ‘IHU’ has emerged in Southern France. France has reported around 12 cases of this variant as of now. Though the variant is not completely new.
The traces of IHU were detected a month ago at Marseille-based Mediterranee Infection University Hospital Institute (IHU). At that time, it was evident that the IHU or B.1.640.2 variant has around 46 mutations and 37 deletions which is quite more than the currently surging Omicron variant. Whether it’s far more dangerous than Omicron or just a moderate concern is still a mystery. It will be too early to say anything as not much is known about IHU at this point.
Research on the new IHU variant is underway. The researchers speculate Cameroon’s origin for the variant based on a study conducted on those 12 IHU cases. The very first patient came back from a trip to Cameroon in central Africa. Despite being vaccinated, he nevertheless developed covid’s mild respiratory symptoms. After this, seven more people from the same locality began developing similar respiratory problems which broadened the suspension around the chances of a new variant.
The World Health Organization has not yet categorized IHU variant under investigation since it has not been detected outside France. According to American public health scientist, Eric Feigl Ding, there are always times when new variants are identified but not every new variant is not necessarily dangerous. The risk of a variant depends on the variant’s ability to multiply. So, in other words, the more a variant of coronavirus can multiply, the more harmful it will be for living beings.
Right now, like most European nations, France is also seeing record-breaking covid-19 cases. As per the French health minister Olivier Veran, the country expects even further cases in the coming days. The number might go from 300,000 coronavirus cases to 400,000 as well. However, there’s a possibility that the present wave is the last one. In addition to it, many believe in the enhancement of immunity through vaccinations or either by getting infected.