Visakhapatnam: The N440K variant of Covid-19, which is also called the AP strain, is at least 15 times more virulent than the earlier ones and may be even stronger than the Indian variants of B1.617 and B1.618, according to experts.


This comes amid speculations about the N440K variant of Covid-19 being the reason for the sharp spike in new infections in Andhra Pradesh in last few weeks.


READ: Indian Covid Variant B.1.617 Detected In Atleast 19 Countries; Know Why This Variant Spreads So Fast


District COVID Special Officer and Principal of Andhra Medical College P.V. Sudhakar confirmed the enhanced power of the virus.


“We have observed that the new variant has shorter incubation period and the progress of the disease is much rapid. In the earlier cases, a patient affected with the virus would take at least a week to reach the hypoxia or dyspnea stage. But in the present context, patients are reaching the serious condition stage within three or four days. And that is why there is heavy pressure on beds with oxygen or ICU beds,” The Hindu quoted Dr Sudhakar as saying.


'Variant More Prevalent in Souther States But Will Fade Away In A Few Weeks' 


This virus variant is more found to be spreading in Telangana, parts of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka.


"N440K was found to be more dominant than previous variants during cell culture and was more prevalent in Southern States," CCMB Advisor Rakesh Mishra said. 


The N440k mutant variant has the potential to generate large amounts of infectious virus particles in a short time period is very high, .


The particles can spread rapidly across the population thereby infecting large number of people. 


"In the next few weeks it is likely to fade away, he added.


According to a pharmabiz.com report, this virus is spreading among a certain section of population and it is more localized compared to other variants.


'Cannot link the spike in cases to the new variants'


Another strain E484K along with N440K have been detected in India.


Dr V.K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, addressin a press conference said: "The two variants in Maharashtra were also detected in March and July (last year)...there was no effect back then. But to say anything definitive about its correlation to (rise in) cases this time is not possible at present."


He added that the variants had been detected in labs of Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia (INSACOG).


'Can't Label Them As Indian Variants' 


Making a pertinent observation, Professor Balram Bhargava, the Director-General of Indian Council of Medical Research, (ICMR), pointed out that the new variants have been seen in other countries too and hence can't be labelled as Indian variants of the virus. In fact there are many other variants in the world, including India.


It needs to be understood that the new variants come into being due to the natural process of mutation. Vaccines will help in combating them but it is essential and primary is to take precautions. These are easy to follow and will help in curbing the spread.


New Symptoms


According to Dr Shuchin Bajaj, Founder and Director, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, "We are seeing new Covid strain, and some newer symptoms are found in patients like fever, pain in muscles, dry and persistent cough, and loss of smell and taste. In addition to conjunctivitis, sore throat, headache, rashes, upset stomach, and discolouration of fingers and toes."


While researchers suggest that new Covid strains may not be very dangerous, it becomes important to keep oneself safe.


(With additional information from IANS)