Even more mutations than omicron: Is the new COVID variant a cause for concern? | DW News

Just when we thought things were looking up at least a little, because the omicron variant, while being more contagious, often takes a milder course than delta, a new variant has emerged. We do not yet know how dangerous it is, or even where it originated.

The new variant was detected in early December in a traveler who returned to France from Cameroon, the hospital IHU Mediterrannee in Marseille announced. The returnee from Cameroon reportedly infected 12 people in southern France.

This new mutant, called B.1.640.2, has 46 mutations in an "atypical combination," according to a preprint study that has not yet been peer-reviewed.

According to this study, the two already known spike protein mutations N501Y and E484K are also found in the new coronavirus variant. The N501Y mutation, for example, was detected very early in the alpha variant. It causes the pathogen to bind more strongly to human cells and thus to spread more easily in the body.

E484K is one of the escape mutations located directly in the spike protein and thus possibly reduces the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.

But what these mutations mean and whether the new coronavirus variant B.1.640.2 is actually more contagious than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus cannot yet be said with any real confidence, due to the lack of available data and the small number of cases.

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[Skoda]

And because Omicron is more transmissible, absolute mutation rates will go up as well.

[ycplum]

Greater mutation means a greater potential for bad things, not necessarily the certainty of bad things.

[rayj.]

Whatever happens, happens. I'm done being concerned about covid. When you're healthy and have a degree of immunity (vaccine or previous infection) against covid the risk of becoming critically ill or dying from covid is still very very low.

[oisinburke]

Covid now has more strains than an Amsterdam coffee shop! 🤪

[taffya]

The never-ending story, get on with life this is going to go on and on

[EllieandHorses]

I once heard a scientist say that if viruses had a brain, they would focus more on being highly transmissible, but not very virulent. Because if the host gets to live and not be very affected by the virus, it would be much easier for the virus to grow in numbers and infect new hosts. People tend not to care much about social distancing if the virus is as mild as the common cold, which in turn makes it super easy for the virus to spread. Wouldn’t it be nice if viruses worked like that instead?

[VesperAegis]

Like this guy's pronunciation of "Oh Micron." Makes more sense from the Greek origin. Little O!

[albertdaniel]

Omicron is the most transmissible virus in history and now there’s one even more transmissible, it transmits at the speed of thought 🤣🤣

[kevinbrock]

Omicron wasn't scaring people enough so here is the super scary one !

[Punaeased]

I've contracted the FU variant and it's getting stronger everyday

[cherubimcherubim]

My concern is that our so called highly effective, game changer vaccines is highly hopeless in ending the pandemic.

[Decomg]

Lets all hope the next variant is extremely mild and super transmissable. whether it be this one (B.1.640.2) or not. I believe its only a matter of weeks until a more transmissable variant arises. Lets say it turns out to be 100% more transmissable and the symptoms are half as severe. I think by that point there is no need to take any more tests. Just get on with life without isolations.

[beppeadr]

Our destiny is clear now: or we perish from the virus or we perish by ourselves due to the economy/money/system collapse.

[valembalthamboosamy]

Discovering new things is easy, but finding the solution is important too

[Drgn]

Africa: We have a new variant with a lot of mutations.
Europe: BAN ALL THE FLIGHTS!
France: We have a new variant with a lot of mutations. No need to panic. In fact just keep blaming the unvaccinated.

[openureyes]

Yeah it's a joke at this stage follow the money big pharma must be laughing there heads off with all this histeria

[JennRFL]

Just hearing about it now and it was first discovered December 10th well just read a article it was discovered in November about the same time as omicron they have no idea they are just spitting out words

[brocksamson]

"don't panic, but here is why you should panic."

[bvsjgqg]

Please, DW, stop trying to fan the flames of panic. This variant PRE-DATES Omicron. It could outcompete neither Delta nor Omicron.

[moosemoney]

what do you mean by "escapes the current vaccines"? In my understanding it does escape the vaccines which is the reason behind such a surge/explosion in the number of cases. Still not escaping the current vaccines..then what is ? I am wondering what would be the outcome if it wasn't escaping the vaccine, ? There wont be any cases!!HAHA O the vaccines help with the severity. The earlier rate of mortality was 2%, and its still at 2% or a little less given we have immunity and other diagnosis available now.