Health experts are warning Mumbai citizens of the new Delta plus sub-variant, AY.4.2, as the festive season is approaching near. This Delta plus sub-variant spreads faster than the earlier variants. The citizens are therefore advised to follow social distancing norms and wear face masks.
They have said that those who are unvaccinated are at a higher risk of contracting the variant. The variant also causes neurological problems. Professor of Medicine, Grant Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, Dr Wiqar Shaikh, while explaining the mutation, said that a mutation results from the virus making an error during multiplication/reproduction. This causes changes in its genetic code.
He further said that a mutation is more infective and cause more deaths compared to the original virus. It is a cause of concern now as India has started reporting the new Delta plus sub-variant, AY.4.2. cases.
This new variant has spread in countries like Germany, Ireland, Denmark, the US, Israel, Russia, China and the UK. The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has already declared AY.4.2 as a 'variant of interest,' and World Health Organization (WHO) is likely to do the same, he said. Professor of surgery at DY Patil Medical College, Dr Ketan Vagholkar, said there is no need to panic as the health authorities are investigating the characteristics of the new variant. Till then, everyone must follow the COVID-19 norms and get fully vaccinated.
According to the latest data revealed by National Centre of Disease Control (NCDC), nearly 17 cases of AY.4.2 lineage of COVID-19 have been reported in India, so far.
Also read: Maharashtra Looks To Conduct Sero Survey Across The State
Share
Tweet
