Another coronavirus variant with several mutations has been identified in France.
Known as the 'IHU' variant, it is now being studied by scientists to determine whether it is likely to have a serious impact on the pandemic.
It is perfectly normal for viruses to mutate and produce different strains as time goes by.
Most are unlikely to cause significant concerns, but some may have an advantage over others and become more dominant and dangerous.
For example, the current vaccines might become less effective against the new strain.
That is why it is important that scientists study new variants to keep on top of the disease.
But what do we know about the new IHU strain found in France, and should we be worried about it?
Scientists are still in the early stages of their research, but here's everything we know so far, as reported by the Mirror.
What is the IHU variant?
The most common coronavirus variants, such as Delta and Omicron, are named after letters of the Greek alphabet.
But, the IHU variant takes its name from researchers based at the IHU Mediterranee hospital in Marseille, where it was first discovered.
At least 12 people in the southeast of France have been identified as having the strain, including seven adults and five children.
Initial findings suggest that the strain has a total of 46 mutations, which is several more than the 37 that were found on the Omicron variant.
The variant, officially known as B.1.640.2, was first identified in France way back in November in a person who had recently returned from a trip to Cameroon.
However, investigations have been unable to show any more links with Cameroon, and it is not believed the variant emerged there.
Should we be concerned about the IHU variant?
Researchers say it is too early to speculate on how harmful the mutant strain is based on the 12 cases identified so far, the Evening Standard reports.
It is not yet a variant of concern identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and initial findings suggest it is unlikely that it will be.
In addition, IHU predates the Omicron variant, which is now the dominant variant across the world.
As for symptoms, a study into the variant, which is yet to be peer-reviewed, revealed the first identified case only developed 'mild' respiratory symptoms.
Tom Peacock, a virologist at Imperial College, said on Twitter : "This virus has had a decent chance to cause trouble but never really materialised."
Meanwhile, American epidemiologist Eric Feigl-Ding said to the Evening Standard: "There are scores of new variants discovered all the time, but it does not necessarily mean they will be more dangerous."
