A case of an Indian variant of the COVID-19 was detected in the French department of Lot-et-Garonne, said Benoit Elboud, head of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional health organization.
According to him, the new strain was found in the analysis of a Frenchman who came from India. People who were in contact with him are also being checked.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says the Indian version of the virus (B.1.617) is spreading rapidly worldwide and has been detected in about 20 countries.
The Indian variant is more dangerous than the original version of the virus. Thus, this option is more contagious and more deadly. In addition, it can surpass the protective capacity of vaccines.