New corona variant threat looms over European countries
After many European countries including the UK, now a sub-lineage of Delta variants is spreading in Asia as well. Cases of a sub-variant of the delta strain have been reported from Russia and Israel. This sub-variant named AY.4.2 is said to be 10-15% more contagious than the original Delta variant. Although experts are saying right now that there is little chance of it spreading on a large scale, but tests are going on. If more cases are reported, then this sub-variant can be included in the list of ‘Variants of Interest’ by the World Health Organization (WHO).
What is AY.4.2? How different from the rest?
AY.4.2 is actually a proposed name for a sub-type of the Delta variant. It has been found in many countries around the world. Its spike protein has two mutations Y145H and A222V. According to experts, both the mutations have been found in several other lineages as well, but their frequency has been low. UK experts identified AY.4.2 in July 2021. It is estimated that this new subtype accounts for 8-9% of new UK cases.
According to experts, the new sub-variant is ‘nothing’ in comparison to the Alpha and Delta. For this reason, they is assuming that it will not affect the pace of the pandemic much.
What is the way to prevent it?
The way to avoid any variant of Covid-19 is the same. Vaccinate yourself completely. Even if a variant bypasses the protective shield of the vaccine, it will significantly reduce the risk of death. In some countries, a booster shot is also being given to control the infection. Apart from this, proper following of Covid norms is very important.
Over 1000 deaths in Russia in last 24 hours
Corona cases in Russia have once again started increasing rapidly. The news of rising corona infection is also coming again from China. The rapid infection in both the countries has worried the world. On Saturday, there was a sharp increase in corona virus in China and Russia. While a total of 38 new cases of coronavirus have been reported in China on Saturday, 37,678 new cases of infection have been reported in Russia during the last 24 hours. Whereas on Saturday, 1,075 people died of the virus in Russia, which is the highest number of a day during the pandemic.
