Vietnamese scientists found a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, A.23.1, which has attacked Africa has been detected in Vietnam closely linked to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.

Taking samples for COVID-testing

The scientists from Ho Chi Minh City Centre of Disease Control jumped to the conclusion following genome sequencing results of samples collected from the Tan Son Nhat airport’s hotspot.  

The variant was first found in Rwanda in the third week of October 2020, and it was then recorded in the U.S., UAE, Australia, the UK, and Denmark. 

However, no abnormal complications have been reported in these countries from this variant which is different from the more contagious B.1.1.7 found in the UK. 

This is the first time the variant A.23.1 has been recorded in Vietnam, and also the first time in Southeast Asia, according the scientists.  

Earlier, epidemiologists believed the coronavirus hotspot at Tan Son Nhat airport was not tied to the country’s biggest hotspot in Hai Duong province, northern Vietnam. 

HCM City has confirmed more than 30 community cases since the virus recurred in Vietnam two weeks ago.  

The latest outbreak has spread to 13 cities and provinces with more than 500 cases detected. Hai Duong, a gateway to Hanoi capital, has recorded 383 cases alone.