DTMT NETWORK
The rise in the number of corona cases recently witnessed in some states has worried experts. Some are speculating that the surge in cases could be due to presence of new strains of corona detected in the UK and South Africa. But Indian Council of Medical Research Director General Dr Balram Bhargava has stressed that there is no direct relation between the surge in Maharashtra and some other states and mutant strains known as-N440K and E484Q.

He has clarified that these two virus strains have been detected in other countries too and are not specific to India. Moreover, they have been found earlier in some states in India. The E484Q strain was earlier detected in four sequences in Maharashtra as early as March and July 2020.

“The N440K mutation has been reported on 13 different occasions between May and September 2020 in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Assam. The current upsurge in Maharashtra cannot be attributed to the currently discussed point mutations,” said Dr Bhargava.

“However, the situation is being constantly monitored. As further scientific evidence emerges, it shall be duly shared,” he said.

Doctors have said that people should continue to practice Covid appropriate behavior to prevent infection.