The Indian variant in Europe: where is it and should we worry? | Coronavirus pandemic News

Several European countries have reported cases of coronary heart disease, and some have limited travel to India as fears grow.

The so-called “double mutant” version of the first coronavirus first detected in India has now reached several European countries.

Health authorities in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Romania, Switzerland and Belgium have seized cases called the Indian variant, formally known as B.1.617.

The cases have raised alarm because there may be a rapid spread of strain-induced infections. It includes two important mutations compared to the virus previously detected in other major variants of the virus.

Here’s what you need to know:

What is the Indian variant?

B.1.617 contains two notable mutations – formally known as E484Q and L452R. This has sometimes been termed a “double mutant” strain, even if it’s the wrong name, it carries more than a dozen mutations.

According to preliminary evidence, mutations make B.1.617 transmission higher and are less susceptible to vaccines than other strains, but scientists are still trying to determine how far it is.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated it as a “variant of interest,” suggesting that it may be more infectious than other versions of the virus, cause more serious diseases, or prevent vaccine immunity to a greater extent.

Other strains with known risks, such as those first detected in the UK, Brazil and South Africa, have been classified as “variants of concern” – a higher level of threat.

Where is it detected?

B.1.617 has been recorded in at least 17 countries around the world since it was first detected in India as it is currently battling a devastating wave of COVID-19 infections.

In Europe, the United Kingdom has been the hardest hit, with health authorities reporting 193 cases of the variant so far.

Sporadic cases have also been reported in France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Portugal and Spain. On Thursday, Romania reported its first case.

Yet, however, it does not appear that the variant has made much progress in the affected countries or in the wider region.

Should we worry?

If B.1.617 were to gain a foothold in Europe, there would be an increase in COVID-19 infections in the region, which would continue to damage vaccination efforts and end the pandemic.

In response to the spread of the variant, several European governments – including the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Belgium and Spain – have imposed travel bans or restrictions on access to India.

The movements occur when several European nations are struggling with third waves, with efforts to contain COVID-19 in some areas of the continent hampering mass vaccination efforts.