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WHO says India Covid variant of 'global concern'
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-57067190WHO says India Covid variant of 'global concern'
Published8 hours ago
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the coronavirus variant first found in India last year as a "variant of global concern".
It said preliminary studies show the B.1.617 mutation spreads more easily than other variants and requires further study.
(snip)
A mutation is elevated from a "variant of interest" to a "variant of concern" (VOC) when it shows evidence of fulfilling at least one of several criteria, including easy transmission, more severe illness, reduced neutralisation by antibodies or reduced effectiveness of treatment and vaccines.
The variant is being studied to establish whether it is responsible for a deadly surge in India, which is currently overwhelming hospitals and crematoriums.
(snip)