Coronavirus Update: More than 50k cases recorded in a single day; India Fears Double Mutant Strain
New Delhi: Novel virus fear rises in the nation after the INASCOG, a network of 19 Indian labs dedicated to conducting a genome sequencing and analysis of the virus. The study has detected a double mutant variant of SARS-CoV-2. As per a statement issued by the Union Health Minister, the double mutant variant is responsible for the abrupt rise in Maharashtra. 15-20% Maharashtrians samples have detected the double mutant strain of the novel virus.
The country registered the highest count of new infections in five months. Around 53,419 cases came up in the past 24 hours taking the tally to 1,17,87,013. Maharashtra contributes majorly to the rise while Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujrat, and Punjab register smaller figures.
The recuperations have slightly dropped to 95.3 % after 26,575 diseased were discharged free of symptoms. However, the mortality rate at 1.4 % claimed 249 lives mostly in Maharashtra. The cumulative death count of the nation stands at 1,60,726.
About 88 per cent of all Covid-19 deaths in the country are in the age group of 45 years and above, making them the most vulnerable section that needs to be protected, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday.
Addressing a press conference, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said the case fatality rate in this age group is 2.85 per cent. “About 88 per cent of all Covid-19 deaths in the country are taking place in the age group of 45 years and above, making them the most vulnerable group that needs to be protected,” he said, adding that this is the reason behind allowing vaccination for those above 45 years from April 1.
Dr. Rakesh Mishra, the Director of Center For Cellular & Microbiology, in Hyderabad, where this particular variant was first sequenced said, “Mutations in viruses are common. but most are insignificant and do not cause any change in its ability to transmit or cause infections. Some though, like the ones in the United Kingdom or South Africa, can make the virus more infectious and, in some cases, even deadlier.” India reported a mutation resulting from E484Q and L452R. However, Dr. Rakesh Gulleria, Chief Dr. at AIIMS declared the effectiveness of the Indian vaccines against the mutant strain.