Panchmahal (Gujarat): At least five cases of Kappa variant of Covid-19 have been detected in Gujarat. The cases were found in Jamnagar, Godhra in Pahchmahal district and in Mehsana. Out of the cases, a Panchmahal district resident became one of the first persons to die of the disease. The victim was diabetic as well.
The district health system has become active with the arrival of Kappa variant positive in Godhra. Survey work was started by the Health Department in Muvada village. After the detection of the variant, the health department became active and collected samples of a total of 50 people who attended the funeral of the Panchmhal man including his family members. In total, RT-PCR samples of all 22 persons who were in close contact were taken.
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In May, the World Health Organization had named the new variant, a 'double mutant', as "Kappa", after a Greek alphabet.
Genome sequencing of samples of these patients, who had tested positive for COVID-19 between March and June this year, revealed that they were infected by the new variant, the department said. Kappa is a "variant of interest" but not a "variant of concern" as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The department also traced those who came in contact with these patients. "So far, none of their contacts have been found to have COVID-19 symptoms. The health department has also undertaken intense surveillance in the areas from where the cases emerged," it said.
