(Newser)
– As far as researchers can tell, a new variant of the coronavirus detected in northwest France is no longer deadly or more infectious – but what makes it worrying is the fact that it is much more difficult to detect. Officials say the new variant was found after additional tests were conducted on patients who had symptoms of COVID, but initially tested negative for the virus in standard PCR tests, reports Bloomberg. Blood samples taken or from the respiratory system confirmed that they were infected. French officials say eight cases of the variant were confirmed in a group of 79 patients at a hospital in Brittany.
“Investigations will be carried out to determine how this variant reacts to vaccination and antibodies developed during previous COVID infections,” said the regional health authority in a statement, according to France 24. Authorities say the new variant has nine mutations in their peak protein, and they are investigating whether the changes are what make detection difficult with standard tests. The infection rate in Brittany is currently well below the rate in Paris and the surrounding area, but cases have been rising in Brittany in recent weeks, reports Reuters. France says international agencies have been contacted about the new variant. (Read more stories of COVID variants.)