The deadly COVID19 variant noticed first in India has now been detected in Uganda, according to the ministry of health.
The new variant, called B.1.617, was initially detected in India with two mutations — the E484Q and L452R. It was first reported late last year by a scientist in India and more details were presented before the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is reported to spread like wild fire.
Uganda’s Health Ministry has said that the confirmation should be a wakeup call for everyone by ensuring to follow COVID-19 SOPs.
“Wear a mask when in public. Wash hands with clean water and soap or use a hand sanitizer. Practice physical distancing.Get vaccinated NOW,” says the ministry.
To date Uganda has 41,797 cases of COVID-19,34S deaths, 41,422 recoveries and total number of persons vaccinated is 321,350.
As for India where the new variant was first detected, there are registering surging numbers of infections and deaths hence fueling India’s deadlier new wave of cases that has made it the world’s second worst-hit country, surpassing Brazil again.
India has reported more than 14.5 million Covid cases so far and about 200,000 fatalities.
The double mutation has been found in several countries like Australia, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Namibia, New Zealand, Singapore, the U.K. and the U.S.