Is the new COVID-19 AP strain more infectious? All about it

First discovered in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, the new COVID-19 AP strain is about 10 to 15 times more infectious, according to the reports. The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) first reported the N440K variant. This variant is causing havoc across the states of Karnataka, Andra Pradesh, Telangana.

COVID-19: What is the new AP strain?

The AP COVID variant – N440K is fastly replacing the two other variants i.e. B.1.17 and B.1.617. The circulating A.P. strain is different when compared to the one that was in circulation last year in Andhra Pradesh, said the scientists from CSIR Institute.

Is the new AP strain more infectious?

As per the sample analysis from CCMB, the new mutant has the ability to generate a large number of infectious virus particles in a short period. They also found that about 50 percent of the samples received had the new N440K variant virus. Analysis revealed that it has a more localized spread in comparison with other variants.

What are the experts saying?

Experts have said that one can acquire the virus after a short exposure period. The wave is also affecting the younger population in higher intensity. Higher immunity in younger people is not reducing the risk of infection but merely reducing symptoms and leading to a sudden deterioration of oxygen levels and health. The previous variant took a week to reach the hypoxia stage. But this is pushing patients for ICU beds and oxygen within three to four days as they reach a serious condition. There has also been a significant increase in the rate of oxygen levels decreasing once the infection progresses.

Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) cleared the air around the unique strain circulating in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in Visakhapatnam. 

The ‘N440K strain’ in Andhra Pradesh is less than 5 percent at the moment and is likely to disappear or be replaced soon by other existing variants, said CCMB director, Rakesh Mishra.

As reported by The Print

The one thing you need to remember is that this variant is unpredictable. There is no evidence that the N440K variant is deadly or more infectious than other Covid-19 variants. The best way to keep it at bay is by following social distancing and ensuring to vaccinate. 

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