However, the Health Minister noted that the British variant of the new coronavirus has yet to be found in the state.
Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja announced that genetic mutations were found in the SARS-CoV-2 samples studied in Kerala. SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19. However, the Health Minister noted that the British variant of the new coronavirus has yet to be found in the state and that all passengers from Britain are being tested.
“The research was conducted in Kozhikode, where a slight genetic mutation was found in the virus. But the genetic variant found in other countries is not similar to the one we found here. In Britain, the genetic mutation was more specific.” said the minister told the media on Saturday. However, the fact that the virus is mutating is not a cause for concern. Dr. Shahid Jameel, a virologist and director of the Trivedi School of Biosciences at Ashoka University, had previously told TNM that all viruses mutate, but what must also be considered is the rate at which the mutation occurs. “Fortunately, coronaviruses are the slowest mutating RNA viruses that we know of. They are about 1,000 times slower than the flu virus, ”said Dr. Jameel.
Shailaja has said that to confirm whether the British variant of the new coronavirus has been found in Kerala, investigations have started in all districts. He also added that the state was on vigil to find out if anyone who returned to the UK was infected with the new variant. “Scientists have found that the new variant (UK) is more contagious. We are closely examining everyone who came from the UK,” he said.
The minister also said that eight people who have returned from the UK have tested positive for the coronavirus and their samples will be thoroughly examined to understand the genetic nature of the virus. “We have sent their samples to the Institute of Virology in Pune to find out which variant the virus belongs to. Those results have not come in yet. They will have to analyze them well. We have also decided to test people who have returned from the UK,” said the Minister.
The new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has also reportedly been detected in the Netherlands, Denmark and Australia. Although the new variant is believed to be infectious, there is insufficient evidence to show that it increases mortality, scientists say.
Kerala expected an increase in COVID-19 cases after the local elections, as there were campaigns and victory celebrations that violated regulations. But with some relief, this increase has not been witnessed, the Health Minister confirmed. Test positivity rates in the state remain high and on Friday it was 4/11. So far, 2,931 people have died from COVID-19 in Kerala. Currently, more than 64,000 people are in treatment. So far, 6,64,951 people have recovered from the infection.
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