Oyogist.com has learnt that The recent emergence of COVID-19 new variants has called for concern in Africa.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said the new variant seems to have higher transmissibility.
It alerted countries to boost genomic surveillance and conduct analysis through the African genome sequencing laboratory network to detect any new mutations and strengthen efforts to curb the pandemic.
South Africa recently detected a new SARS-CoV-2 variant, which appears to transmit more quickly and is likely linked to the ongoing surge of COVID-19 infections in the country.
Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa expressed concern over the increasing rate of COVID-19.
“The emergence of new Coronavirus variants is common. However, those with higher speed of transmission or potentially increased pathogenicity are very concerning”, he said.
“Crucial investigations are underway to comprehensively understand the behaviour of the new mutant virus and steer response accordingly.”
South Africa has carried out most of the 4,948 sequences and has identified 35 SARS-CoV-2 lineages.
