New CCP Virus Variant Confirmed in Belgium, First Case in Europe

Belgian Public Health and Social Affairs Minister Frank Vandenbroucke pictured during a press conference after a meeting of the consultative committee with ministers of the Federal government, the regional governments and the community governments in Brussels, Belgium, on Nov. 26 2021. Dirk Waem/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images

Belgium confirmed that a new CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus variant has been detected in the country, according to health officials. It is the first known case of the new variant in Europe.

The variant—which was first detected in South Africa and has been named B.1.1.529—was identified in a tourist returning to Belgium from Egypt on Nov. 11, Belgian virologist Marc Van Ranst said on Twitter. The person developed the first symptoms on Nov. 22, he added.