A new deadly covid-19 variant has arrived in Pakistan, according to countriy's health authorities.
The new covid-19 variant is named 'Epsilon', said Dr. Javed Akram, a member of scientific task force. The variant is also called the California variant or b.1.16. because it was originated in California, he added
Dr Javed, further said that the variant initially reached the UK and other European countries.
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“A total of five variants and seven mutations of Epsilon had been reported which made it more infectious” Dr. Javed was quoted as saying by The Dawn.
"We need to understand that the virus has been controlled but not eradicated, therefore, there are chances of it bouncing back," he added.
Replying to a question, Dr Akram, who is also the vice chancellor of the University of Health Sciences, said around 40 patients had been confirmed in Pakistan having the strain through gene sequencing, but this was not an accurate figure. "Gene sequencing has not been done on every patient," he added.
Dr Akram said the positive side was that all vaccines were effective against Epsilon, therefore people should get immunised and adhere to the standard operating procedures.
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