Kathmandu. Experts say that the Delta Plus variant will have a huge impact in the event of a third wave of Covid-19 due to lack of vaccines. Delta Plus is another variant of the Delta variant that is currently in its second wave in Nepal.

The developed version of Delta (B.1.617.2) variant ‘AY.1’ or Delta Plus variant has been confirmed in Nepal this week. The name of this mutation is ‘K417N’. Delta Plus variants have been seen in 11 countries including neighboring India. “The Delta Plus variant seen in nine samples so far is highly contagious,” said Dr Krishna Prasad Poudel, director of the epidemiology and disease control division at the Ministry of Health.

The Delta Plus variant is likely to be the trigger for the third wave of Covid-19. The high probability of the Delta Plus variant being responsible for the third wave, along with its high infectivity and the ability to attach the virus to the cell, is high Nagasaki University professor and virologist Dr. Vasudev Pandey described, The Delta Plus virus can reduce the effectiveness of antibodies produced in the body by vaccination or by natural infection, but it could lead to more serious conditions due to the continuing shortage of vaccines in the country, he said. “Delta Plus has the potential to infect all age groups, from children to the elderly, and have a greater impact on the lungs,” Pandey said.

According to experts, Delta Plus, which is highly contagious, can attach strongly to receptors in lung cells. This causes rapid damage to the lungs. This monoclonal antibody has been shown to be able to surpass even cocktails. According to India’s Indian SARS Cove-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG), the transmission capacity of the Delta Plus variant is higher and the ability of lung cells to stick to receptors is higher.

The Government of India has classified Delta Plus as a ‘Variant of Interest’. Indian media recently quoted government sources as saying that Delta Plus has been placed in a more serious category, i.e. variant of concern.

It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post. Sameer Kumar Adhikari said, “Not only the virus is to blame for the third wave, but also the behavior of all nepali after the ban is relaxed.” Among the nine people infected with Delta Plus in the country are children and the elderly. According to the official, nine people infected with Delta Plus have been recovered, but the third wave is likely to come soon due to the behavior of ordinary Nepalis after the ban was lifted. So far in Nepal, including Delta Plus Alpha (B.1.1.7) and Delta (B1.617.2) variants are seen as ‘Variant of Concern’.

Similarly, the Kappa variant (B.1.617.1) as a variant of interest has also been seen in Nepal. The Kappa variant is 28 to 89 percent more contagious than the first-wave of coronavirus.
So far, Kappa variant has been seen in 413 samples in the country. Currently, Kappa is not seen mainly in Nepal but the migration rate of Delta, Delta Plus and Kappa is higher. These variants are more contagious and affect people of all age groups.