New COVID variant discovered in France: What is known so far about IHU

_{Scientists in France have identified a new COVID-19 variant called the IHU variant, which has 46 mutations. So far, 12 people have been infected with the variant in France. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)}

While the United States and the rest of the world has grappled with the rapidly spreading omicron variant, scientists in France have identified a new COVID-19 variant called the IHU variant.

Below is a roundup of the little amount of information known so far about this new variant of COVID-19, including what it is, how far it is spread and whether vaccines work against it.

What is the IHU variant?

The IHU variant, also known as B.1.640.2, was named after French researchers at the IHU Mediterranee Infection, according to Bloomberg News.

The first case of the variant was identified in a vaccinated patient who had just returned from a trip to Cameroon, Africa, according to medical experts.

However, medical experts caution that just because a new variant is discovered, it doesn’t mean IHU will be as infectious or severe as other strains of COVID-19.

The variant has not been identified in other countries yet, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has not identified it as a variant of concern such as omicron or delta.

Instead, it is only “under investigation,” according to Bloomberg News.

Do vaccines work against it?

At this time, due to the small amount of cases identified, it is too early to tell if vaccines work against the variant.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is still in the process of investigating the strain to give more clear guidance on how to proceed.

Katherine Rodriguez | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com