Abstract: Detection of viral nucleic acids (NAs) and their variants is effected using nanopore technology. If the target wild type viral NA is single-stranded, it is mixed with its complementary NA, and also the unknown viral NA sample to be analyzed, followed by hybridization; while if the target wild type viral NA is double-stranded, it is mixed with the unknown viral NA sample only, then denatured and followed by hybridization. The hybridized products from either case are then subjected to translocation in the form of a translocation analysis, experiment or test through a nanopore device that measures the electrical signals induced through translocation events. The corresponding signal train is characteristic of an individual virus or variant and acts as a “fingerprint” facilitating rapid virus identification and discovery of a new variant.