Amid the surge of Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 across the globe, scientists have now identified a new strain of the virus in Southern France.

Named as IHU, the B.1.640.2 variant has been identified by researchers at institute IHU Mediterranee Infection in close to 12 cases. The variant has been linked to travel to the African country Cameroon. In a study, yet to be peer-reviewed, scientists have reported IHU to have 46 mutations and 37 deletions causing 30 amino acid substitutions and 12 deletions. Fourteen amino acid substitutions, including N501Y and E484K, and nine deletions are in the spike protein. N501Y and E484K mutations were also noted previously in Beta, Gamma, Theta and Omicron variants.

The first case was reported in an adult individual diagnosed positive by RTPCR in mid-November 2021… (NDTV – PTI, January 4, 2022)