Another threat
At a time when most of the experts and data suggested that the second wave of covid-19 has subsided to a large extent another worry has engulfed medicos and experts as a new variant of the coronavisrus is making its presence felt.
It has been reported that around 40 cases of the Delta plus variant, classified as a variant of concern (VOC), have been detected sporadically in Maharashtra, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh. The Delta variant as well as all Delta sub-lineages including Delta plus are classified as VOC.
As of now among the samples sequenced (45000+) in India, Delta plus variant — AY.1 –has been observed sporadically in Maharashtra, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh, with around 40 cases identified so far and no significant increase in prevalence.
But this does not mean that the new variant will be sparing us. The VOC will make an impression and for that we need to be prepared well in advance.
Importantly, the three states where it has shown its presence have been advised to strengthen surveillance and take appropriate public health measures. As of June 18, 205 sequences of AY.1 lineage was detected worldwide, with the USA and the UK having over half of the known cases.
The World Health Organisation has introduced a classification as VOC (variant of concern) and VOI (variant of interest), with the evolution of several variants around the globe. Delta variant as well as all Delta sub-lineages including Delta Plus are classified as VOC.
All Delta sub-lineages are treated as a variant of concern VOC, although properties of AY.1 are still being investigated. Currently, the variant frequency of AY.1 is low in India. Cases with AY.1 have been mostly reported from nine countries of Europe, Asia and America.
Surprisingly, the SARS-CoV-2 virus causing COVID-19 disease is mutating continuously with increase in the number of infections both across the world and in India.
Mutations help the virus to become either more transmissible or more virulent or both. With time these mutations known as Variants of Interest (VOI) increase in frequency in the selected population and are considered then as VOC.
Though presently we have managed to come out of the second wave of the pandemic as on Wednesday Jammu and Kashmir reported 444 new covid-19 cases while four more people died as well.
But all this does not provide us the chance to take things lightly and indulge in activities that can spell a disaster.
KV Network
