The presence of new variants – B.1.617.2 and B.1.617.1 – of coronavirus has also been confirmed in Nepal.
The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) informed that in the gene sequencing of 35 samples collected from various parts of the nation, the B.1.617.2 variant was detected in 34 samples and B.1.617.1 was detected in one.
The genome sequencing of the samples was carried out at CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, India, a WHO-recognised centre of excellence in genomic sequencing.
Dr. Sameer Kumar Adhikari, assistant spokesperson at the MoHP, said, “The B.1.617.2 is the new variant seen in India while the B.1.617.1 is the one seen in the UK.”
The Health Ministry has called everyone to remain alert and strictly abide by the public health standards as the new variants are more infectious and fatal for people of all age groups. Similarly, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had classified the B.1.617 variants of SARS-CoV-2 as ‘global concern’ on May 10. Also, the UN Health Agency has reported that the B.1.617 strain had already spread in over 30 countries.
According to Dr. Jageshwor Gautam, spokesperson at the Health Ministry, the new variants of the virus were highly infectious. “The infection rate of the new mutated variants is high in many countries,” he said.
“The new strain of the virus is deadlier than the ones before as people of all age groups being infected with it are being seriously ill,” said Dr. Gautam.
Likewise, Dr. Anup Bastola, spokesperson for Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Teku, said, “Last year, majorly senior citizens had become critically ill from the coronavirus infection. But this year, youths infected with the new variant are suffering from serious health problems.”
Our hospital has been overwhelmed with infected patients and we have run out of beds. Considering this, it can be said that the new variant is more dangerous, said Dr. Bastola.
“The new variant affects people of all age groups from four-month-old infants to senior citizens aged 60 and above. However, the youths have suffered from severe difficulties due to the infection,” he said, adding, “People of all age groups have been infected but mostly the youths are having serious health issues like pneumonia and difficulty in breathing, among others.”
Meanwhile, the doctors have been stating that the vaccines against COVID-19 were considered to be effective against the new variants as well. Dr. Gautam said, “The seriousness of the infection and fatality is very low in COVID-19 patients who have been vaccinated in comparison to patients who have not received the jab.”
Thus, the fatality rate in those who have already been vaccinated is low, he said. “The infection with new variants is not fatal in people who have been vaccinated as they recover early. Thus, it is certain that the vaccines are effective,” Dr. Bastola said. “However, the extent to which the vaccines are effective is yet to be ascertained by various researches and studies going on across the globe.”
“In the ongoing second wave, senior citizens and frontline health workers have not been affected much by the new variant of the virus as they had already been vaccinated. This proves that the vaccines, be it Vero Cell or Covishield, are effective,” added Dr. Bastola.
Therefore, the government must strive to inoculate all the citizens as soon as possible, he said.
Spokesperson Dr. Gautam said that following health safety standards was the only way to avoid infection. “We must continue wearing three-layered masks, sanitise our hands and maintain physical distance and stay in a well-ventilated room while at home or office.”
Source : THE RISING NEPAL,
