Delta still dominant Covid-19 variant in Mumbai

Fifth genome sequencing result of 221 Covid-positive samples shows 11 percent had Delta variants, 89 percent had Delta derivatives; only two samples had Omicron that were earlier confirmed by NIV, Pune

Omicron variant was found in only two of the 221 Covid-positive samples that the BMC had sent for genome sequencing, while Delta was dominant in the rest of them, according to the latest report. The two Omicron cases were the ones that the National Institute of Virology in Pune had confirmed earlier.

According to the fifth genome sequencing report, 24 samples (11 per cent) had Delta variants and 195 (89 per cent) had Delta derivatives, said civic officials. The hospitalisation data of the 221 patients shows that one had taken the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine, 26 were fully vaccinated and 12 were unvaccinated. There were no deaths among the samples examined. Out of the 221 patients, 13 were under the age of 18 years, including two diagnosed with Delta variant and 11 with Delta derivatives. The incidence of Covid-19 infection in relatively young children is completely under control, said civic officials.

The BMC has been conducting genome sequencing of various samples of Covid-positive patients at Kasturba Hospital for detection of Coronavirus variants. The first genome sequencing by the BMC was done on August 23, the second on September 21, the third on October 11 and the fourth on November 9. In the fifth batch, samples were also collected from fliers who came from high-risk countries. Both Delta variants and its derivatives are relatively mildly invasive and do not pose a significant risk, said BMC officials. The infection and transmission rates in Delta derivatives are low, as compared to Delta variants.

A BMC official said, “Looking at the overall results of genome sequencing, it is clear that the Covid-19 outbreak in Mumbai is under control as a result of vaccination. Nevertheless, given the medical experts' warnings about the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant, it is important for everyone to adhere to the rules of wearing a mask, keeping a safe distance from one another in public places, and maintaining hand hygiene. All eligible citizens are also required to complete their vaccination.”

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