Kuala Lumpur: Classified as a variant by health organisations, is the Gamma variant surging while other variants are declining?
The Gamma variant that was first found in Brazil is now detected in Russia, says Interfax.
Russia is facing a surge in COVID-19 infections, reporting 24,471 new cases and 796 deaths in the last 24 hours.
“The Delta variant is widespread on the territory of the Russian Federation, with isolated cases of the Gamma variant detected,” Interfax says.
CDC says Zeta has been removed from the variants of interest list. Its prevalence is declining and very few detections in recent months.
But the return of Gamma could be alarming. Several mutations in the Gamma variant may make it easier for the virus to spread. It also tends to weaken the anti body response.
But sources like the BBC says while more variants will emerge, existing vaccines can be tweaked to fight them.
