A beneficiary gets the vaccine shot during a COVID-19 vaccination drive in Dimapur. (Morung File Photo)
• Samples for genome sequencing sent on June 10
• Delta and two other variants detected
Morung Express News
Kohima | July 2
The significantly more contagious COVID-19 Delta variant (B.1.617.2) has been found in 93 samples from the state of Nagaland, along with two Kappa variant (B.1.617.1) and one Alpha Variant case (B.1.1.7). Results of two more samples were unclear, according to a Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) report from the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBG) in Kalyani, West Bengal.
It was informed that the sample results were received by the state Department of Health & Family Welfare(H&FW) on July 1 evening.
Earlier on April 26, the department had sent another batch of samples for genome sequencing at the NIBG, the designated laboratory for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) for the Northeast Region. However, the genome sequencing could not be executed due to improper handling of samples. Subsequently, another 98 samples were sent on June 10, from which the Delta and other variants were detected.
Experts from across the globe have been warning about the risk of Delta variant, which was first detected in India. World Health Organisation (WHO) experts also warned that the delta variant is “dangerous and even more transmissible and infectious,” and reported that the variant is rapidly spreading. It has been detected in 96 countries and is 55% more transmissible than the Alpha variant, which was first detected in the UK, the WHO reported.
Officials from the state health department viewed that the high rise of COVID-19 in the state could be due to the presence of the Delta variant due to its higher transmissibility rate than the other variants.
Meanwhile, Principal Director for H&FW Dr Neikhrilie Khimiao released a copy of the result to the media on Friday evening, and informed that the department would continue to send more samples for Whole Genome Sequencing regularly.
“As all are aware that the Delta variant is more infectious, public are advised to continue to strictly adhere to COVID appropriate behaviour and vaccinate,” Dr Khimiao added.
