Scientists in France have identified a new strain of coronavirus with more mutations than the Omicron variant.
The emergence of the new variant, which probably originated in Cameroon, as per the study, harbours both substitutions N501Y and E484K in the spike protein.
At least 12 cases of the new variant have been reported near Marseilles, and has been linked to travel to the African country Cameroon.
Tests show the strain carries the N501Y mutation — first seen on the Alpha variant — that experts believe can make it more transmissible.
According to the scientists, it also carries the E484K mutation, which could mean that the IHU variant will be more resistant to vaccines.
It is yet to be spotted in other countries or labelled a variant under investigation by the World Health Organization.
