Concern Grows Over India Covid Variant in the UK

Public health experts recommended one version of the India Covid variant become a “variant of concern” in the UK.

Public Health England (PHE) is tracking B.1.617.2, a subtype of the Indian coronavirus variant which appears to spread more quickly than other two identified versions. They also believe it spreads at least as quickly as the Kent variant detected last year.

Viruses constantly mutate, producing different versions of themselves. Most mutations are insignificant, and may even make the virus less dangerous. However, others can make it more contagious and harder to vaccinate against.

The Kent, South Africa and Brazil strains are all classed as “variants of concern” in the UK. All of these versions, including the India variant, have undergone changes to their spike protein. This is the part of the virus which joins to human cells.

The original India variant was first detected in the country in October. It is now split into three different subtypes, each with slightly different genetic mutations.

There has been a sharp increase in the B.1.617.2 version in the UK. This now makes up the majority of all cases of the Indian variant, and seems to be growing quicker than other versions. Over 500 cases of this variant have been detected across England, with highest levels in London and the North West.

As a result, scientist want this version added to the official list of concern.

Despite concerns over the transmission of this version of the virus, there is no evidence that it resists current vaccines.

What caused the growth?

The number of current infections in the UK that can be attributed to international travel is unknown.

Evidence shows there is significant community transmission, mostly linked to workplaces and religious gatherings.

14 elderly care home residents who all received vaccinations were infected with the variant. Some needed hospital treatment though were not seriously ill, and all have now recovered.

All current vaccines offer some degree of protection against variants, but can never completely stop all Covid infections. This is especially true in the elderly and most vulnerable people.

Clusters of the B.1.617.2 variant have been found in places including Leicester, Bolton, Nottingham and Blackburn. Northern Ireland also detected their first cases of it.

Public Health England is monitoring the situation closely and undertaking appropriate interventions, such as targeted testing and enhanced contact tracing.

In a process known as surge testing, the government roll out increased Covid testing to prevent spread of outbreaks of more contagious variants.

Extra tests and enhanced contact tracing happens in specific localised locations.

The B.1.617 variant may have caused the deadly second coronavirus wave sweeping India in recent weeks. The surge in infections overwhelmed their healthcare system with hospital beds, and oxygen in short supply. The country also reported a record number of deaths.

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