The first-ever case of the extremely infectious B.1.617 variant of coronavirus, first recognized in India, has been detected in Pakistan regardless of a ban on travellers from the neighbouring nation since April, the nation’s prime well being institute right here has stated. The National Institute of Health (NIH) on Friday shared the outcomes of whole-genome sequencing of SARS CoV-2 samples collected in the course of the first three weeks of May 2021, The Express Tribune reported on Friday.
The sequencing outcomes confirmed the detection of seven instances of B.1.351 [variant found in South Africa] and one case of B.1.617.2 variant [first identified in India]. This is the primary in-country detection of the latter pressure, the NIH stated in an announcement. As per protocols, contact tracing of all of the instances is in progress by the Field Epidemiology & Disease Surveillance Division and District Health Office (DHO), Islamabad, the report stated.
The NIH stated the continued detection of world strains highlighted the continuing want for commentary of tips, utilization of masks and want for vaccination. After India’s outbreak of COVID-19 fuelled by the brand new pressure earlier this 12 months, Pakistan in April imposed a ban on travellers arriving from the neighbouring nation by way of the air, sea and land routes, he report stated.
However, in May, the variant was detected in Thai travellers who had visited Pakistan, the report stated. Health authorities in Thailand had confirmed the nation’s first instances of the variant first recognized in India in a Thai lady and her 4-year-old son who have been reportedly put in state quarantine since arriving from Pakistan, it stated.
The World Health Organization (WHO) earlier stated that the B.1.617 pressure of coronavirus was discovered in dozens of nations all around the world.
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