Omicron’s BA.5 sub-variant detected in Nepal

KATHMANDU: A new sub-variant of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been detected in Nepal.

According to Dr. Chumanlal Das, director of the Epidemiology and Infectious Disease Control Division, gene sequencing at the Dhulikhel Hospital lab in Kavrepalanchowk confirmed the presence of the BA.5 sub-variant.

As he stated, the virus is being studied further, and the Division is attempting to identify its carrier.

Prior to this, the BA.2 Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 was discovered, and gene sequencing of infected samples is currently underway at Teku’s National Public Health Laboratory. The country’s COVID-19 infection rate is gradually rising.