Uttar Pradesh Reports 2 Cases Of Covid's Kappa Variant - All You Need To Know

Kappa is not a new variant as it was first detected in India in October 2020. Kappa is one of the three sublineages of Pango lineage B.1.617.

(File Photo/ Getty)

Lucknow: Reeling under the second wave of Coronavirus, Uttar Pradesh on Friday reported two cases of new 'Kappa variant' of Covid-19, according to a statement issued by government officials.

A genome sequencing of 109 samples was done at King George's medical college in Lucknow out of which 107 samples turned positive with Delta variant of Covid-19, while two cases of Kappa variants were found. 

"The Delta Plus variant of COVID-19 was found in 107 samples, while the Kappa variant was found in two samples," the statement issued after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's routine review meeting said.

"Both the variants are not new for the state. The facility of genome sequencing is being increased in the state," it added.

Currently, Uttar Pradesh has a daily positivity rate of 0.04%. 

 As per Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Amit Mohan Prasad, even earlier cases of Kappa variants were found in the state. "There is nothing to worry about. This is a variant of coronavirus and its treatment is possible," he said.

Meanwhile, the state government has not divulged details of districts in which Kappa variant of Coronavirus was found saying that it would instill fear among people.

What Is Kappa Variant?

Kappa is not a new variant as it was first detected in India in October 2020, as per details available on World Health Organizations's site on tracking SARS-Cov-2. Kappa is one of the three sublineages of Pango lineage B.1.617. The variant is identified as B.1.617.1, while the Delta strain is represented as B.1.617.2.

Is Kappa A Double Mutant?

Yes, just like the Delta variant, Kappa is identified as a double mutant because of two mutations - EE484Q & L452R.

Is Kappa A Variant Of Concern?

No, the World Health Organisation has not termed Kappa variant as a Variant Of Concern (VoC).