Uttarakhand detects Delta Plus variant of COVID-19; Amit Negi makes statement

First case of Delta Plus variant in Uttarakhand

Reportedly, around 40 cases of the COVID-19 Delta Plus variant have been detected in the country, in the states of Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and counting. As per ANI’s tweet on Wednesday, July 7, first case of Delta Plus variant was found in Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand according to the Uttarakhand Health Secretary, Amit Negi. The Delta Plus variant is said to have stemmed originally from the Delta variant of COVID-19.

Spread of Delta Plus variant in India

As per reports, out of 45,000 samples, 48 samples had this new Delta Plus mutation. The main concerns around this variant are increased transmission capability, stronger binding to lung cell receptors and possible reduction in monoclonal antibody response. According to gavi.org, “The Delta Plus variant was found during routine screening of viral RNA sequences uploaded to GISAID, a data-sharing platform set up originally to share flu viral sequences - indicating how critical ongoing surveillance is.” With the third wave of COVID-19 being anticipated in India as per multiple reports, this new variant could be a possible factor.

Variant of Concern (VoC) 

The Delta Plus variant also termed B.1.617.2.1 or AY.1. has been identified in around 12 countries. It’s being monitored by WHO along with the other 10 variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This variant has been classified as a Variant of Concern (VoC). The earliest detection of this variant was in Europe, earlier this year, in March. The extra mutation in the Delta Plus variant, called K417N, which was also present in the Beta variant, is what makes the variant bind stronger to lung cell receptors. While its exact effect on transmission is unknown, it is being said that this new variant could have an impact on vaccine effectiveness.

(IMAGE: PTI)