Nagpur: While doctors feel primary treatment and intervention is going to be the same, some of them don’t foresee any immediate threat from the Delta Plus variant to Nagpur district where nearly 13lakh people have been vaccinated and 4lakh are believed to be having antibodies due to infection.
Those vaccinated will certainly have protection, they said.
“Even if someone gets infected, issues like dropping of SPO2, deterioration, ICU stay may not get longer,” they said.
However, those not vaccinated or infected would remain susceptible and must treat any surge in cases as first or second wave, according to the doctors.
As per health ministry, the variant of concern has been found in around 40 samples — 16 from Maharashtra besides Madhya Pradesh and Kerala.
The Delta Plus has increased transmission rate, stronger binding to receptors of lung cells and possible reduction in monoclonal antibody response.
City doctors say though the new variant of novel coronavirus was found in April, cases are still going down.
Consultant physician Dr Mohan Nerker said it is difficult to say what impact the variant will have on citizens.
“Not much is so far known about it except that it has been detected in some pockets of the country and it has high transmissibility.
It has emerged from Delta variant which was behind the second wave surge.
If antibodies do not weaken, this variant may not prove to be so harmful.
Some patients have recovered too from the new variant,” said Dr Nerker, who is Covid unit in-charge of Seven Star Hospital.
On May 24, TOI had reported about CSIR-NEERI lab already being part of Indian SARS-CoV2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) on SARS-Cov2 genome sequencing.
As per the government of India project, the lab had already found double mutant B.1.617 (including B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.2 ) as ‘dominant variant’ in the samples investigated for the Nagpur region from January to May.
Critical care specialist Dr Imran Noor Mohammad said reinfection haven’t been seen.
“I came across only one patient who was old age and diabetic.
Delta plus has high transmissibility but only time will tell what impact it has on us.
Those not infected certainly remain in high risk group,” he said.
Infectious disease specialist Dr Ashwini Tayde said it is known that reinfection rates so far are not high.
“As compared to the West where third wave is mainly due to Delta, we stand a better chance as our second wave was majorly contributed by the same variant.
Delta Plus has immune evasion and it will be more virulent.
So far evidence doesn’t support its higher complications rate,” she said.
“Those who were exposed and suffered in second wave stand a better chance.
But those who are vaccinated have to keep in mind this variant is notorious for immune evasion so its apt to take all precautions to prevent spread and exposure to the same,” she said.