Coronavirus

New Strain Of COVID-19 Spreading From South Africa To Asia

Bhubaneswar: In a matter of concern for health experts regarding COVID-19 in India, a new strain of corona virus detected in South Africa has spread to Asian countries.

Scientists in South Africa have detected the new strain of the virus with several mutations. Though their research has not been peer-reviewed by other scientists, the new strain, known as C.1.2, was first detected in May.

The scientists are yet to confirm whether it is more contagious than other strains or has the potent to overcome the immunity provided by vaccines. But it has already spread to most of southern Africa and seven other countries in Africa, Europe and Asia, according to a report of news website MiddleEast.in-24.

C.1.2 strain contains mutations that have been linked to increased infection and decreased sensitivity to antibodies, but it has a different mixture. The scientists have not yet verified how it affects the virus and are conducting further tests, the website reported.

Earlier, B.1.351 variant of corona virus had originated in South Africa in February. It contained a mutation called N501Y that made it more transmissible. According to the WHO, this variant “is less susceptible to antibody neutralisation” than previous variants.

In the second wave of COVID-19, four major mutant strains of corona virus were detected in India. They are double mutant strain (B.1.617 variant), UK strain  (B.1.1.7 Variant), South African strain and Brazilian strain (P.1 Variant), according to a report of Outlook.

In Odisha, a team of genomic researchers from CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), New Delhi and Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar had identified 73 novel variants of the COVID-19 strain in Odisha.

OB Bureau

Recent Posts

National Gymnastics: Odisha Clinch Bronze In Senior Men’s Artistic Event

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s senior men’s artistic gymnastics team clinched bronze at the all age-group National Championships…

32 minutes ago

New Year Message: CM Mohan Majhi Advises Bureaucrats To Capitalise On PM’s All-Out Support To Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Wednesday set the goal for New Year by advising…

38 minutes ago

New Year Heartbreak: Rescued From Rajasthan Borewell After 10 Days, 3-Yr-Old Dies Within Hours

Jaipur: In a tragedy of immeasurable proportions, a three-year-old child who had fallen into a…

56 minutes ago

Odisha Govt Approves 25 Industrial Projects Worth Rs 4223 Cr For 11 Dists; Check Details

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Wednesday approved proposals that entails an investment to the tune…

1 hour ago

After Atul Subhash Suicide, Delhi Bakery Owner Kills Self Amid Divorce Dispute

New Delhi: In an incident which has similarities with the Atul Subhash suicide case in…

1 hour ago

2 Double-Decker Electric Buses To Arrive In Odisha Capital By Tomorrow: Minister

Bhubaneswar: Two double-decker electric buses are expected to arrive in Odisha capital by Thursday morning,…

2 hours ago