ISLAMABAD- The National Institute of Health (NIH) on Friday confirmed the first case of the more contagious COVID-19 variant first discovered in India. The NIH spokesman said that Indian strain was found in samples the NIH received for testing.
The NIH also confirmed seven cases of South African Covid-19 variant detected in Pakistan in the ongoing month.The spokesperson said they were continuously monitoring different Covid variants and have initiated contact tracing of the patients infected with Indian and South African variants. Stressing that following SOPs is the first line of defence, the NIH spokesperson urged people to adhere to health guidelines, including wearing masks and social distancing, to keep the deadly disease at bay. Earlier, Sindh Health Minister
Dr. Azra Pechuhu said in a video message had that at least 10 British, two South African, and one Brazilian virus variants have been detected in Karachi. What is the India variant? Viruses mutate all the time, producing different versions or variants of themselves. Most of these mutations are insignificant – and some may even make the virus less dangerous – but others can make it more contagious and harder to vaccinate against. This variant – officially known as B.1.617 – was first detected in India in October.
