Danger from new Covid variant
New Covid variant found in India reached the UK, 77 patients got infected here.
The new variant of the Covid-19 found in India has now reached Britain. According to health authorities, 77 people have been found infected with it in the UK. It is named B.1.617 and spreads very fast. The virus is currently undergoing medical monitoring, technically called Variant Under Investigation (VUI).
Public Health England (PHE) has given information related to this in its Weekly Review. It is placed in the Variant of Concern (VOC) category. The report states that this variant was first found in India. This variant constantly changes ie mutation, so it does not catch up soon.
Identification of three mutations
The PHE report states that three mutations of B.1.617 variants have been identified so far. Technically these are named E484Q, L452R, and P681R. So far 77 people have been found infected with the new variant. According to the report, all the infected are being closely monitored.
New Covid variant found in India reached the UK, 77 patients got infected here.
Why new variant is dangerous?
According to the report, mutations occur more rapidly in new strains and this is the reason why one mutation is detected by the time another mutation is detected. In many cases, it has been observed that it spreads very rapidly and destroys immunity. The report said that this variant could be responsible for the second wave of Covid-19 in India. Because of this, the second wave there is proving more deadly.
Impact on johnson's journey
It is believed that perhaps due to this variant, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has shortened his visit to India this month. Johnson's spokesperson said- We are in touch with the Government of India. The situation arising out of Covid-19 in India is being monitored. Britain has placed 11 countries on the red list in cases related to Corona, but India is not involved in this.
A total of 56 variants have been identified in the UK so far. Among them, the Kent and South African variants have been considered the most lethal. Lockdown in Britain is being gradually phased out. Because of this, the government's concern about new variants is also increasing.
