Health Ministry confirms detention of new mutant of Delta variant in Nepal

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health has confirmed the detention of a new mutant of Delta variant in Nepal.

Issuing a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry said that of the 47 samples taken for genome sequencing, three are found to be the new mutant (AY.1) of Delta variant.

Samir Adhikari, assistant Spokesperson at the Ministry, said that the new variant is found to be more infectious and affect the people of all age groups.

Meanwhile, the Ministry has urged one and saundry to be more cautious and follow the health safety protocols. At a time when Nepal has come to the tail end of second wave, the Ministry has also urged the people to be prepared for the possible outbreak of third wave of Covid-19.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Alfa and Delta fall under Variants of Concern whereas Kappa fall under the Variant of Interest. Variants of Concern are considered to be highly infectious as they spread easily and can reduce the effectiveness of the antibodies.