Morung Express News
Kohima | October 20
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, cases of AY.4, one sub-lineage or derivative of the Delta Variant is on the rise in the state of Nagaland as per the Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) report.
Out of the 134 samples sent for WGS, 17 samples have been rejected while 72 cases of AY.4 were detected as per the report made available. The samples were sent from the district of Kohima, Tuensang, Phek and Dimapur. (See box)
Speaking to The Morung Express, Principal Director, Health & Family Welfare, Dr Neikhrielie Khimiao said the seven categories namely AY.4, AY.16, AY.19, AY.21, AY.26, AY.37 and B.1.617.2 fall under the COVID-19 Delta Variant.
“Through the WGS, we detected some variant but they are all clubbed together under the Delta Variant,” said Dr Khimiao. Out of all the different sub-lineage variants, he said the main concern is the AY.4.
However, he added that at present that vaccine is giving a good coverage of all the variants (sub-lineage) while adding that, “We have nothing more to do as of now, but to put our focus on the sub-lineage group especially the AY.4.”
According to a news report by the Times of India, at the all-India level, AY.4 presence increased from 5% of all samples tested in June to 8% in July and 45% in August. “The last Indian COVID-19 Genome Surveillance report said while Delta and Delta sub-lineages continued to be the main variants of concern globally, AY.4 is the main global sub-lineage,” the report stated.
Observing that people have become very complacent lately, a health official expressed concern and stated that, “Even if one has taken the vaccine, one must follow all COVID appropriate behaviours of wearing mask, hand hygiene, social distancing, avoiding crowded places and poor ventilated rooms.”
