Two cases of Kappa COVID variant detected in Uttar Pradesh

As the Delta variant of coronavirus continues to evolve and mutate, triggering safety concerns around the globe, two cases of Kappa variant have been detected in Uttar Pradesh, an official statement issued on Friday stated. 

Genome sequencing of 109 samples was done at King George’s medical college in Lucknow in the past few days. While Delta Plus variant of coronavirus was found in 107 samples, the Kappa variant was found in two samples.

“Both the variants are not new for the state. The facility of genome sequencing is being increased in the state,” the statement issued after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath‘s routine review meeting said, PTI reported. 

Meanwhile, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Amit Mohan Prasad said earlier also cases of Kappa variant were found in the state, which currently has a daily positivity rate of 0.04%. 

“There is nothing to worry about. This is a variant of coronavirus and its treatment is possible,” he said, PTI reported. 

He, however, did not reveal in which districts this variant was found as it would create fear among people.

Last month, the B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.2 variants that were first identified in India were renamed Kappa and Delta respectively by the World Health Organisation. 

WHO at present has not classified Kappa as a variant of concern. Like Delta, Kappa is also referred to as double mutant because of two mutations — EE484Q and L452R.

Meanwhile, AstraZeneca said that its COVID vaccine is effective against Delta and Kappa variants of coronavirus. A study conducted by the Oxford University investigated the ability of monoclonal antibodies in blood from COVID-recovered people and from vaccinated people to neutralise the two variants and came to the conclusion that the vaccine is effective. 

Earlier this week, two cases of the Delta Plus variant of coronavirus were identified in Uttar Pradesh. While one patient was cured in home isolation, another succumbed to it. .