World Health Organization holds emergency meeting on nCoV variant with 30 mutations
The World Health Organization (WHO) called a special meeting to discuss the new SARS-CoV-2 variant found in South Africa.
WHO is monitoring the B.1.1.529 variant with about 30 mutations that were recently discovered in South Africa. The organization is scheduled to meet today (November 26) to discuss the impact of the new variant on vaccines and treatments.
 |
| People in Hong Kong wear masks while riding the subway. Photo: AP |
“We don’t know much about B.1.1.529 yet. What we do know is that this variant has a large number of mutations that could impact how the virus behaves,” said Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO technical lead onCovid-19, information.
The virus evolution working group will decide whether B.1.1.529 will become a variant of concern or a variant of concern.
The new variant watch comes as Covid-19 cases are rising around the world ahead of the holidays, with the WHO reporting hotspots in all regions, particularly in Europe.
South African scientists have discovered more than 30 mutations in the new variant, including mutations that are resistant to antibodies, reducing the effectiveness of vaccines, along with mutations that make the virus more transmissible.
Other mutations in the new variant are still poorly understood, so experts don't know if they change how the SARS-CoV-2 virus behaves.
The variant has spread rapidly through Gauteng province, home to South Africa's largest city, Johannesburg.
“There is a spike in Covid-19 cases in Gauteng, people are coming and going all over South Africa. So it is clear that in the next few days, there is a possibility of starting to see an increase in numbers,” said South African Health Minister Joe Phaahla.
The variant was first detected in Botswana with three cases on November 11. Six other cases have been confirmed in South Africa since November 14, and one patient from South Africa who arrived in Hong Kong tested positive on November 13.