Topline
A new, heavily mutated variant of coronavirus—called B.1.1.529—was identified in South Africa this week, sparking fears of a more transmissible, possibly vaccine-resistant virus and sending shockwaves through global markets as governments around the world bar travel from the region.
Scientists identified a new coronavirus variant in South Africa.
AFP via Getty Images
Key Facts
Researchers detected B.1.1.529 in South Africa this week, where it appears to be driving a dangerous surge of infections in the country’s Gauteng province.
Cases have since been identified in Hong Kong, Belgium, Israel and Botswana, where the variant was first identified using genome sequencing.
Scientists fear the variant may be more transmissible than other variants and able to evade the immunity from vaccination due to the high number of mutations it has, including more than 30 on the spike protein, which many vaccines train the immune system to target.
Experts believe the new variant may be rapidly replacing the delta variant in affected regions and already accounts for some 75% and 90% of the cases being sequenced in Botswana and Gauteng, respectively.
Governments around the world moved swiftly to bar travel from parts of the south African region, including the U.K., France, Italy, Germany, Israel and Japan.
What To Watch For
The World Health Organization is set to meet to discuss the variant Friday. The meeting will determine whether the variant should be classified as a variant of “interest” or of “concern,” the agency’s system to keep track of mutations that can affect the virus’ behavior. “Variants of interest” have mutations “predicted or known to affect virus characteristics,” like transmissibility, resistance to vaccines and disease severity. “Variants of concern”—which include alpha, beta, gamma and delta variants—must meet the criteria to be a variant of interest as well as having more significant changes, such as reducing the effectiveness of vaccines. If named, B.1.1.529 is likely to be named “nu,” the next available Greek letter. The WHO began naming variants after the Greek alphabet in May to avoid stigma associated with a variant being named after the location it was first discovered.
Crucial Quote
U.K. health minister Sajid Javid said the “new variant is of huge international concern” and could pose a “substantial risk to public health.”
Key Background
Mutations are a normal and expected part of viral evolution and many have no impact on the virus’ behavior at all. A great deal remains unknown about the variant and scientists are racing to figure out whether it is able to evade vaccine protection or is more transmissible. The very high number of mutations—and in areas relevant to vaccine-derived immunity—are what surprised and shocked scientists. The WHO has stressed caution and urged countries to make decisions like travel bans rationally and in proportion to the known risks. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the White House chief medical advisor, said more data is needed before the U.S. blocks flights from some parts of southern Africa.
Further Reading
U.K. And Israel Impose Restrictions On Travelers From Southern Africa Over New Covid Variant (Forbes)
Why scientists think the new variant may have emerged in an HIV patient (Telegraph)
