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A new variant of the coronavirus has been detected in Kenya, preliminary research from the state-linked Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) has revealed.
The variant, unique to Kenya, had been detected in the southeast of the country following a study carried out between June and October, Kemri said.
More research needs to be done to assess the impact of the variant, he added. It is perfectly normal for viruses to mutate, scientists say.
Kenya has so far recorded nearly 100,000 cases of Covid-19 and more than 1,700 deaths.
Meanwhile, the faster-spreading South African variant has been detected in three African states – neighboring Botswana, Zambia and Gambia in West Africa, according to the World Health Organization (according to WHO .
Africa has now passed three million cases of Covid-19, and the daily number of cases exceeded the first wave peak, he said.
An average of 25,223 cases were reported each day between December 28, 2020 and January 10, 2021 in Africa, nearly 39% more than the two-week July 2020 peak of 18,104 daily average cases, the WHO said. .
“Redesigned public health measures are increasingly essential to prevent an outbreak of infections that could push health facilities to the breaking point,” he added.
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