The deadly COVID-19 virus is continuously posing challenges for the world. India has reported cases of a Kappa Variant. In the first place, the initial form of the virus was itself harmful to human beings. Moreover, as time is passing by, its new variants and other complications are adding additional burdens.
Simultaneously, the government data shows that there is a spike in delta variant cases. With that being said, India is now also witnessing two cases of the Kappa variant. It is another strain of COVID-19. The information came into light when genome sequencing was carried out. The institution where the research took place is Lucknow’s King George’s medical college. Therefore, 109 samples were tested there, out of which 107 came out positive for the delta variant. The remaining two samples tested positive for the new Kappa variant.
Know More About the Kappa Variant
As told by the experts, this variant is not a new one. According to them, it has been previously present in the surroundings. The new variant is known as the B.1.617.1. It is a double mutant variation because it consists of E484Q and L453R mutations. It is important to keep in mind that the this is not a variant of concern like the Delta variant. Reportedly, the main cause of the second wave in India is the Delta variant. Unlike it, this is only a variant of interest till now, as declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
It is found in Uttar Pradesh. However, its first case was detected in India back in October, last year. Though it is a mutation, the additional chief secretary (Health), Shri Amit Mohan Prasad added that there is no need to worry about it. It is because the situation can be controlled by treatment.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has added that the Covishield by Bharat Biotech is fairly effective against the new strain. The best we as citizens can do is to follow covid appropriate protocols.
Wear a mask and stay safe!