(Newser)
– As far as researchers know, a new variant of coronavirus detected in northwestern France is not more deadly or more infectious – but what makes it worrying is that it is much harder to detect. Officials say the new variant was found after additional tests were performed on patients with COVID symptoms, but initially tested negative for standard PCR virus, Bloomberg reports. Samples taken from blood taken deep into the respiratory system confirmed that they were infected. French authorities say eight cases of the variant have been confirmed in a group of 79 patients in a British hospital.
“Investigations will take place to determine how this variant reacts to vaccination and antibodies developed during previous COVID infections,” the regional health authority said in a statement, according to France 24. Authorities say the new variant has nine mutations in its peak protein and investigates whether the changes are what made detection more difficult with standard tests. The infection rate in Brittany is currently well below that of Paris and the surrounding area, but cases have risen in Brittany in recent weeks, Reuters reports. France says international agencies have been contacted about the new option. (Read more articles about COVID variants.)