93 cases of Delta variant detected in Nagaland

KOHIMA, Jul 4
The North Eastern State of Nagaland has detected 93 COVID-19 Delta variant cases (B.1.617.2) along with two other variants 'alpha' and 'kappa' out of 98 samples, which were sent for genome sequencing.
Pointing out the variant as a matter of concern, health experts have underlined the need for rapid testing and vaccination to contain the spread of the virus.
Nodal Officer and Joint Director Biosafety Level (BSL) Labs Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) Dr V Tina Khamo said that the Delta variant which is a variant of concern has a high rate for transmission, adding that unless it is contained, the virus would mutate and pose more danger.
On June 10, distribution samples were collected from various districts of the State and sent to the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBG) in Kalyani, West Bengal for genome sequencing.
Khamo informed that the samples were sent to check not only for Delta variant but other types of variants that the State might have and to ascertain whether the variants were variants of concern or of interest.
According to district-wise data presented by Khamo, Kohima district showed the highest number with 58 cases, out of which 55 are Delta variant cases.
Dimapur has 17 such cases while Tuensang has 13. Mon district has reported seven cases of the Delta variant and Kiphire has one.
Khamo also classified the transmissibility percentage of the different variants and said that the Beta variant has 28 per cent, Alpha 24-34 per cent, Gamma 33-51 per cent, Kappa 28-89 per cent and Delta 78-121 per cent.
The health official suggested the people of the State be vigilant and ramp up random testing.
TNT