Corona's 'Delta' and 'Alpha' variants confirmed in Nepal

Kathmandu: Another new variant of Covid-19 (Corona virus) has been confirmed in Nepal. The Ministry of Health and Population has issued a press release stating that new variants of the Corona virus have been discovered in Nepal. 

The samples collected from all over the country were selected in the National Public Health Laboratory from 26 April to 20 June and sent to the IGIB in New Delhi, India on June 10 for sequencing with the help and coordination of 48 offices of the World Health Organization in Nepal and Southeast Asia Regional Office. While genetically identifying the samples, the Delta variant (B1.617.2) was confirmed in 47 Jamuna, and the Alpha variant (B1.1.7) was confirmed in one sample, the ministry said. 

Out of the 47 delta variants confirmed, additional mutations of K417N mutation were found in nine of them and it was named AY1, said Dr. Samir Kumar Adhikari, Joint Spokesperson of the Ministry of Health. So far, these mutations have been confirmed in more than 10 countries of the world, including Nepal. 

The Ministry has stated that Alpha and Delta variants have been confirmed as variants of concern and Kappa variant as a variant of interest in Nepal so far.

‘These variants have been found from various studies that are more contagious and affect people of all age groups. Therefore, we are all aware and responsible to prevent the infection and appeal for everyone's information to increase the role of adhering to public health standards, 'the ministry said.