Lucknow: As part of the second wave of coronavirus, Uttar Pradesh on Friday reported two cases of the new ‘kappa variant’ of Covid-19, according to a statement issued by government officials.
Genome sequencing of 109 samples was done at King George’s Medical College, Lucknow, out of which 107 samples tested positive for the delta variant of Kovid-19, while two cases of the kappa variant were found.
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“The delta plus variant of COVID-19 was detected in 107 samples, while the kappa variant was found in two samples,” a statement issued after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s regular review meeting said.
It said, ‘Both types are not new to the state. Genome sequencing facility is being increased in the state.
Currently, the daily positivity rate in Uttar Pradesh is 0.04%.
According to Amit Mohan Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary (Health), cases of Kappa variants were found in the state earlier as well. “There is nothing to worry. It is a type of coronavirus and it is curable,” he said.
Meanwhile, the state government has not disclosed the details of the districts in which the kappa version of the coronavirus was found saying it would create fear among the people.
What is Kappa Variant?
Kappa is not a new variant as it was first detected in India in October 2020, as per details available on the World Health Organization’s site for tracking SARS-Cov-2. Kappa is one of three sub-lineages of the Pango lineage B.1.617. The variant has been identified as B.1.617.1, while the delta strain is denoted as B.1.617.2.
Is kappa a double mutant?
Yes, like the delta variant, kappa is recognized as a double mutant due to two mutations – EE484Q and L452R.
Is Kappa a Form of Anxiety?
No, the World Health Organization has not called the Kappa variant a cause of concern (VoC).
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