96% samples from Chandigarh found with Delta variant

Naina Mishra

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 11

Highly transmissible Delta variant (B.1.617.2) has been found in 96 per cent of the samples collected in Chandigarh, reveals the latest report on whole genome sequencing (WGS) prepared by the NCDC lab, New Delhi.

About Delta variant

The Delta variant, first discovered in India, has been attributed as the driver behind the country’s devastating second Covid wave. The variant is reportedly responsible for over 90 per cent of the recent cases in Israel, which lifted restrictions in June, although around 57 per cent of the population has been vaccinated. It is linked to increased transmissibility.

The samples were collected between June 6 and 21 and sent by the UT Health Department for genome sequencing on June 26. The results were received on July 3. Of a total 28 samples, the results of 27 were received. The variant of concern (VoC), Delta (B.1.617.2), was detected in 26 samples.

A total of 50 samples of city residents collected randomly in May-June were sent to the NCDC lab on June 4 for WGS. The VoC was detected in 35 samples, of which one had the Alpha variant (B.1.1.7), 66 per cent samples had the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) and one sample had the Delta Plus variant (AY.1). Till March, Alpha variant was dominant in the UT. It was replaced by Delta variant in April.

‘No Delta Plus variant found’

The Health Department collected the samples of four direct high-risk family contacts of a 35-year-old person, who tested positive for Delta Plus, and sent them to the NCDC. In the latest report, the close contacts of the man found positive for Delta Plus have not been found infected with the Delta Plus variant.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had recently declared Delta Plus as a variant of concern and linked it to increased transmissibility, stronger binding to receptors of lung cells and potential reduction in monoclonal antibody response.