KATHMANDU: A new mutation of Delta variant of Covid-19 has been found in Nepal.
The Health Ministry in a statement Tuesday said that 47 samples tested from different parts of the country (belonging to varying age groups) from early May to mid-July confirmed delta variant in all of them. It added that a new K417N mutation was found in three of the 47 samples.
The new mutant delta virus has been identified as A.Y1.
Stating that the variants and mutations identified were more contagious and likely to affect people of all ages, the ministry urged the public to strictly follow health safety measures. It also asked all the concerned to prepare for the possible third wave of coronavirus infection.
The World Health Organization has marked Alpha and Delta as variants of concern and Kappa as variant of interest. Variants of concern are considered highly contagious.