COVID-19: Delta variant’s mutation detected in Nepal: MoHP

KATHMANDU, June 21: The Delta variant’s mutation of the coronavirus has been detected in Nepal. 

According to the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), the mutated forms of the Delta variant were confirmed in nine samples while conducting gene sequencing in New Delhi, India.

Ministry’s Deputy Spokesperson, Dr Samir Kumar Adhikari shared that  among the 47 Delta variants confirmed during the gene sequencing, nine new K417 N mutations were detected  and named AY.1 .

Cases of AY.1 have been detected in 10 countries including Nepal, according to the ministry. PCR samples collected from various countries and from various age groups were collected until mid-June and sent to India for gene sequencing. 

So far, Alfa (B.1.1.7), Delta (B.1.617.2), Kappa (B.1.617.1) have been detected in Nepal, said Ministry Spokesperson, Dr Krishna Poudel, adding that the Delta variant is highly contagious and dangerous. 

Earlier, Delta variant’s new mutations were found and confirmed in Nepal which was not a separate and new variant but mutations, he said. 

The Mmnistry has urged one and all to comply with the health safety protocols to prevent infection from the new mutated form of the Delta variant novel coronavirus.