Amid increased fears over the mutation of coronavirus and the various strains emerging in different regions, Uttar Pradesh reported the detection of two cases with the Kappa variant of covid-19.
Kappa is a highly transmissible variant of the virus that has taken the world by storm since December 2019. The report was based on the genome sequencing of samples collected from the state, the UP government said today.
As per an official statement issued, King George Medical College of Lucknow found the strain of the virus and the sample results came positive. It further mentioned that 107 samples were found infected with the Delta Plus variant of covid-19, the mutant strain becoming dominant in several countries. Officials have informed Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of the reports, it added.
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However, the statement that was released post the covid review meeting led by CM Adityanath said that both Kappa and Delta Plus variants are not new to the state as it had detected cases earlier as well. It was confirmed by Additional Chief Secretary of Health Amit Mohan Prasad who said that “there is nothing to worry about” as this is another strain of coronavirus and treatment options are available to cure people of the mutant.
Nevertheless, he chose not to mention the names of the districts and regions affected by the strain or the place of its origin within the state.
“The facility of genome sequencing is being increased in the state,” the statement concluded. Vital in characterizing mutations, genome sequencing is a laboratory process that also tracks disease outbreaks.
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Despite the second wave of coronavirus seeming to reduce its impact in the country, states are gearing up to avoid sudden surges in cases following variants including Alpha, Delta and Kappa emerging in several regions. These are told to be more transmissible than the older variant first detected in 2019.
Uttar Pradesh, which struggled to control its cases during the peak in April with over 35,000 cases each day, now has a daily positivity rate of 0.04 per cent. The state reported 110 cases in the last 24 hours.
