A new variant of the coronavirus, characterized by a double mutation, is thought to be the cause of the increase in Covid cases in India, although the situation is still unclear. Here is what is known so far about the Indian version:
How was it first discovered?
Scientists in India drew attention to the existence of a new variant as it gained ground in Maharashtra between December 2020 and March this year. On March 24, the Ministry of Health in India reported that 15% -20% of the coronavirus studied in the region carried two unusual mutations: E484Q and L425R. The prevalence is likely to have increased to more than 60% in the region since then. The variant is known as B.1.617.
Is it dangerous?
This new variant is thought to be the cause of a new wave of deaths from infections in India, which has moved to second place in the list of countries with the most infections / deaths from pandemics. However it is still unclear whether the new variant is the main cause of the increase in the number of cases.
Are races reported outside India?
Yes, the UK has reported cases of the Indian variant.
Do scientists worry?
Some yes. Danny Altmann, a professor of immunology at Imperial College London, said of all that he has seen in the Indian version, it is likely to soon turn into a "disturbing variant".
But Jeffrey Barrett, head of the Covid-19 genomics initiative at the Sanger Institute, said the Indian variant may not be as problematic as other disturbing variants, such as those first seen in South Africa and Brazil.
The variant existed at low levels for months in India and has grown in other countries, without appearing to be a disturbing variant, suggesting that it may not be as transmissible as the Kent variant that is now dominant in the UK .
Sources: Guardian, Mint, Sky News
