Double mutant found in 61% samples tested in Maharashtra

April 14, 2021 09:17

220 out of 361 or 61 per cent of the Covid-19 samples taken in Maharashtra from January to March and genome sequenced had the double mutation E484Q and L452R, now classified as B.1.617 lineage, the data shared by the National Institute of Virology Pune, shows.

The central government had announced detections of mutant variant in 15-20 per cent of the samples in Maharashtra, however it didnt link the variant with the second surge in the state, a report in The Indian Express said.

NIV officials in a meeting on April 10 made a presentation to all the all district heads of government laboratories. The genome sequencing results were shared in the presentation, but officials said the state government is yet to receive a written report on this. It has been communicated to us only verbally, said an official.

Health Minister Rajesh Tope reportedly said the state government had asked the Centre for a detailed report on the genome sequencing of all the Maharashtra samples.

The state health officials say that the double variant could be the reason behind the second wave in Maharashtra. The state has seen huge surge of Covid cases with over 50,000 cases being reported daily in the state with around 5.6 lakh active cases.

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