World Health Organisation (WHO) said that the new strains of coronavirus found in India are deadlier and more contagious. It also said that the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines on these viruses is uncertain, reported NDTV. The B.1.617 variant of the virus was first discovered in India in October 2020, and it is now detected in 44 countries. It has had a higher rate of transmission with higher virulence.

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WHO said that the B.1.17 variant, which was found in the UK, and the variant found in India have begun to “wane in recent weeks”, but unfortunately, more dangerous mutants of B.1.617, B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.2 have developed. “Preliminary analyses shows B.1.617.1 and B1.617.2 have substantially higher growth rate suggesting potentially higher transmissibility,” said WHO. “B.1.617 sub-lineages appear to have higher rates of transmission, including observed rapid increases in prevalence in multiple countries”, reported NDTV.

WHO said that the effectiveness of the vaccines and medicines against the virulence of the B.1.617 variants remains uncertain. “Preliminary laboratory studies awaiting peer review suggest a limited reduction in neutralisation by antibodies; however, real-world impacts may be limited, reported NDTV.

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WHO said that studies have shown that COVID vaccines such as Pfizer and Moderna have shown “reduced effectiveness” against these variants found in India. “Preliminary evidence suggests potentially reduced effectiveness of Bamlanivimab, a monoclonal antibody used for COVID-19 treatment, and potentially slightly reduced susceptibility to neutralisation antibodies,” said the WHO studies, reported NDTV.