COVID-19: K'taka so far reports two cases of Delta Plus variant

Bengaluru: So far two cases of the Delta Plus variant of COVID-19 have been detected in Karnataka and both are asymptomatic.

Health Minister Sudhakar speaking about the Delta Plus variant cases in the state informed that except for primary contact, no others contacts of the two patients have got infected with the disease.

“As of now, we are watchful. So far we have two cases of Delta Plus variant, both were asymptomatic and none of their contacts were positive except for one primary contact of the Bengaluru infected person. That person is also asymptomatic,” he added.

According to the sources, India has over 50 cases of Delta Plus variant, with multiple cases detected in three States – Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Maharashtra. It has been also traced in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan

Although there is no data as of now which shows that the Delta Plus variant of COVID-19 is spreading faster than Delta but the former should also be treated as a “variant of concern”, said Dr Raman R Gangakhedkar, former Head Scientist of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, ICMR on Saturday.
The Union Health Ministry has warned States that the Delta Plus variant, which is currently a “variant of concern”, has increased transmissibility, causes stronger binding to receptors of lung cells and has the potential of reducing monoclonal antibody response.

Terming Delta Plus as ‘one of the most critical mutations’, Dr Gangakhedkar stated, “There is another mutation that has been seen which is called P871R. This particular mutation is actually one of the most critical mutations which have not seen so far.”

The sources further said that deaths of two COVID-19 patients positive for the Delta Plus variant have been reported in Madhya Pradesh so far, both of whom had not taken vaccines.

The Delta Plus Covid-19 positive cases reported are from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Gujarat, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Rajasthan, Jammu, and Karnataka.

(With input from ANI)