Maharashtra: None of 21 COVID-19 patients with Delta plus variant were vaccinated

According to reports, it has come to light that none of the 21 coronavirus patients, who are infected with the new Delta-plus variant in Maharashtra, were vaccinated.

Dr Pradeep Awate, who heads the epidemiology cell of the state government’s public health department told TOI that they were still gathering information of patients, who are spread across the state, but preliminary information indicates most were not vaccinated.

Meanwhile, reports suggested that three patients were under 18 and not eligible for vaccination.

As of now, the Delta-Plus variant was first detected in nine COVID-positive samples from Ratnagiri, seven from Jalgaon, two from Mumbai, and one each from Thane, Palghar, and Sindhudurg districts.

Also Read: Delta Plus "variant of concern”, says Centre; Warns three states, including Maharashtra

The Maharashtra government has decided to step up vaccination in these districts in the coming days.

N Ramaswami, the commissioner of state National Health Mission, said areas, where the Delta-plus variant was found, were being monitored closely. The COVID-19 tests and vaccination in these areas are increased. The state is awaiting the results of other samples sent to the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology in Delhi for genetic sequencing.

Besides, the health department is trying to understand how these 21 could have got infected with the Delta-plus virus. Most of those affected in Ratnagiri is from a farming background with no international travel. They have not even travelled outside the district, said an official.

If experts are to believed it might have emerged from the Delta variant that was first isolated in Vidarbha region and considered to be one of the causes for the second wave.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra reported its first death due to delta plus on Friday, June 25. An 80-year-old woman died at the Ratnagiri Civic Hospital. She was reportedly admitted to a COVID Care Centre on June 1 and was later transferred to the civil hospital.

Also Read: Delta Plus variant puts Maharashtra on high-alert