Found a modified form of the Delta variant
The ministry has appealed to all to be vigilant and responsible in complying with public health standards
KATHMANDU: JUNE 21 – A new form of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 infection has been found in Nepal. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, a new form of the Delta variant was found in nine samples during genetic sequencing in New Delhi, India.
Dr. Samir Kumar Adhikari, Joint Spokesperson of the Ministry, said that out of the 47 delta variants confirmed in the sample test, nine mutations showed additional mutation k417N. It is named AY.1.
According to him, it has been seen in 10 different countries including Nepal. The ministry had selected PCR samples from people of different age groups in different parts of the country and sent them to India for testing by the National Public Health Laboratory.
Alpha (B.1.1.7) and Delta (B.1.617.2) and Kappa (B.1.617.1) variants have been confirmed in Nepal so far. Dr. Krishna Poudel, spokesperson of the ministry, said that the mutation variant of Delta is more contagious and affects people of all age groups. He said that this is just a new look of the Delta variant seen in Nepal before. “This is not a new looking variant,” he said. “It’s been seen before, but it’s more contagious than any other.”
The ministry has appealed to all to be vigilant and responsible in complying with public health standards to prevent the new form of the Delta variant.
