Mumbai: 75 per cent of 281 genome sequencing samples positive for Delta variants

This was the fourth batch of samples taken for genome sequencing at Kasturba Gandhi Hospital. File pic

The results of the fourth batch of samples sent for genome sequencing at the Next Generation Genome Sequencing Lab, Kasturba Gandhi Hospital have revealed that of the 281 samples from the city, 75 per cent or 210 were of the Delta variants and the remaining 71 were of Delta derivatives. Of these patients, four succumbed to the infection. These four people were affected with Delta variants and had not taken any dose of COVID vaccine. The result further stated that no deaths were reported in people who had taken at least one dose of vaccine, reiterating the need to get jabbed.

In terms of age, 26 patients or 9 per cent were in the age group of 0 to 20 years, 85 patients or 30 per cent in the age group of 21 to 40 years, 96 patients (34 per cent) in the age group of 41 to 60 years, 66 patients (23 per cent) in the age group of 61 to 80 years, and eight patients (3 per cent) belonged to the 81 to 100 years age group.

Of all the patients tested, eight who had taken only the first dose and 21 who had both the doses had to be hospitalised. None of them needed oxygen or intensive care.

On the other hand, of the 69 people who had not taken even one dose of vaccine, 12 had to be hospitalised. Of these patients, four needed oxygen, three had to undergo intensive care and four died. All four of them were aged above 60 years and tested positive for the Delta variant and two of them had chronic illnesses. Civic officials said that these patients were also admitted to the hospital after a two-five days' delay.

"The results of the COVID virus genetic formula determination tests suggest that all eligible citizens should be vaccinated. Also, everyone needs to strictly follow the COVID-19 prevention guidelines. Therefore, citizens should take both doses of vaccine and continue proper use of masks and should also keep a safe distance in public places along with avoiding crowds. Regular hand hygiene should be maintained," read a press statement from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Both Delta variants and Delta derivatives are relatively mildly invasive and do not pose a significant risk, said civic officials. The transmission/ infection rate of the Delta derivatives has also been found to be lower than the Delta variant.

71
No. of Delta derivative samples among 281