As many as 40 cases of Delta Plus variant of COVID-19 have been detected in India raising ‘concern’.
Delta Plus variant cases have been detected in the States of Maharashtra, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh.
“The Delta Plus variant has been observed sporadically in Maharashtra, Kerala and MP with around 40 cases identified so far,” Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said.
Meanwhile, the Centre has sent a warning to the States where the Delta Plus variant of COVID-19 cases have been detected.
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“These States have been advised for strengthening surveillance and public health measures,” Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan added.
According to reports, there are 21 cases in Maharashtra, six in Madhya Pradesh, three in Kerala, three in Tamil Nadu, two in Karnataka and one each in Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Jammu.
The Centre has called the Delta Plus variant of COVID-19 as a “variant of concern”.
The Delta Plus variant is a mutant version of B.1.617.2 strain, which was called Delta by the World Health Organisation.
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As per an official government statement, the Delta Plus variant has shown increased transmissibility, stronger binding to receptors of lung cells and potential reduction in monoclonal antibody response.
The Delta Plus variant has been detected and is active in United States, United Kingdom, Portugal, Switzerland, Japan, Poland, Russia, China and India.