PATNA: The state, which witnessed the worst of human tragedies due to the Delta variant of the Covid-19 in the second wave of the pandemic, once again stands highly exposed to the new variant of the virus – Delta Plus.
“Since a large number of population, including children, are still to be immunised, the threat of the new mutated version of coronavirus looms large in the state,” director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences-Patna, Dr P K Singh, said on Thursday.
He said since the new variant, scientifically known as B.1.617.2.1 or AY.1, has already struck Maharashtra and some other states, there is no reason to think that Bihar would remain spared by it.
“As per the information available from other places, the rate of transmission of the Delta Plus variant is much higher than Delta and it could also prove more fatal,” Dr Singh said.
He, however, added following Covid-appropriate behaviour even after relaxation in the lockdown might save people from infection.
“All viruses tend to mutate to get stronger for their survival.
Though scientific evidences on effects of Delta Plus are yet to come, the new variant is stronger.
It has the ability to affect lungs, the principal organ to facilitate exchange of gases through respiration.
Once invaded by this mutated virus, the affected person may feel severe problems in breathing and develop other unknown symptoms,” he said.
There is no scientific study on the effects of two vaccines — Covaxin and Covishield – in providing protection against the Delta Plus variant.
Dr Singh, however, said the antibodies developed after immunisation would offer protection to a large extent.
“As large number of students, professionals, traders and others from the state frequently visit different states, they may emerge as the new spreaders of the Delta Plus variant.
Hence, there is a need for their proper screening,” Dr Singh added.