New offshoot of Omicron variant CH.1.1 detected in India; 17 cases reported

Hyderabad: Delta mutation has been found in an offshoot of Omicron variant CH.1.1 in Maharashtra and Gujarat, according to INSACOG. This mutation in the SARS-Cov 2 variant causing Covid-19 has got the scientific community concerned as the Delta variant has been very aggressive.

The sub-variant CH.1.1 was found in 16 patients in Maharashtra and one patient in Gujarat.

Scientists concerned

Scientists worldwide have raised an alert as Delta mutations are expected to be more pathogenic. They have asked the authorities in India to be alert as the spread of this mutation of the virus raises concerns. The laboratory reports in animal models have shown increased cell fusion and toxicity.

R mutations in Delta

R mutation in the Delta variant has been a concern as it was found to be the most immune-evasive. Scientists state that the presence of R in CH.1.1 must be monitored.

Population immune to Covid-19

With people across India now having immunity to Covid-19, many scientists in India believe that it is just one more mutation. Mask-wearing in public is negligible. There are very few Covid-19 cases in hospitalized patients in December 2022 which shows that the variants are not having much of an impact, according to medical assessments.

Scientists state that these signs must not lead to lethargy and checking on new variants must continue to avoid any surge from any corner of the world.