What to know about new virus detected in India that's in SF Bay Area FacebookTwitterEmail Clinical lab scientist Selam Bihon processes upper respiratory samples from patients suspected of having COVID-19 at the Stanford Clinical Virology Laboratory on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021, in Palo Alto, Calif. Viruses mutate constantly. To stay ahead of the threat, scientists analyze samples for genetic changes, watching closely for ones that might make the virus more infectious or more deadly.Noah Berger/Associated Press One case of a new virus first detected in India was identified in the San Francisco Bay Area last week and seven other cases are expected.