‘Double mutant’ Covid Variant Found In 18 States Of India

New-Delhi(Reporters Today Bureau):  The Union health ministry said on Wednesday the A new double mutant variant of the coronavirus has been detected from samples collected in India.

The double mutant has been detected across 18 Indian states. In 10,787 positive samples shared by states and UTs so far, 771 variants of concern have been detected. These include 736 samples positive for viruses of the UK, 34 of the South African, and one Brazilian.

National Centre for Disease Control director Sujeet Kumar Singh said, States witnessing higher cases have revealed a different mutation profile but detected variants have been prevalent in the community for the last six to eight months

The new virus strain has two mutation- E484Q and L452R are highly infectious and has the potential to skip the immunity developed either by natural infection or vaccines. The development appears as a reason of serious concern for government, as a second wave of the covid-19 pandemic is of great concern in the country.