New 'IHU' Covid variant in France with 46 mutations explained as '12 cases recorded'

Experts are concerned over a new Covid variant discovered in the south of France.

The coronavirus strain has been confirmed in 12 patients in the region of Marseille, according to a pre-print paper on the new variant.

Known as IHU or B.1.640, the variant has already been defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a “variant under monitoring”.

This is because the strain is believed to contain 46 mutations, which may mean it is more infectious or could evade existing vaccine protection as well as natural immunity from being infected by previous variants such as Delta or even Omicron.

While there is little data on 'IHU', is the new variant something we should be worried about?

Here is everything we know so far.

When and where was IHU discovered?

Read More Related Articles

The French variant - or IHU - was first discovered by scientist in the Marseille region of France.

However, the strain is not thought to have originated there and instead is linked to Cameroon in Africa as the patient who was suffering had recently returned from the country.

After the first case, 11 more patients were found to be positive for the B.1.640 strain in the same geographical area of France.

The earliest documented samples of the French variant were found back in September with a date of designation of November 22, according to the World Health Organisation.

This means that the variant actually predates Omicron, which continues to cause concern across the globe.

What do the mutations mean?

The variant has 46 mutations and 37 deletions in its genetic code, more than Omicron. Many of these affect the spike protein.

This means that the strain could evade current vaccines or result in reduced protection in those who have been fully jabbed.

It could also escape the protection provided by previous Covid infection as the make up of the variant differs from the make up of other versions of the virus like Alpha, Delta and Omicron.

According to a paper posted on medRxiv, the strain carries the E484K mutation which can make it more resistant to vaccines.

It also has the N501Y mutation — first seen on the Alpha variant — that experts believe can make it more transmissible.

Are there any cases in Scotland or the UK?

Currently, there are no confirmed cases of IHU in Scotland or throughout the UK's other nations.

Instead, the variant has been confined to one region in France.

But transmission of the strain - including spread throughout the world - is not unlikely.

What does 'variant under monitoring' actually mean?

Variants that are under monitoring are constantly being examined by scientists in a bid to gain more information on severity of illness, transmissibility as well as things like reaction to Covid vaccines.

Variants with genetic changes that are suspected to affect virus characteristics with some indication of risk will be considered a "variant under monitoring" by the WHO.

At this stage, the details of the strain remain unclear, requiring enhanced monitoring and repeat assessment pending new evidence.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .