India Reports Triple Mutation Virus Outbreak: "An Evolved Form of Double Mutation"

Published 22 Apr.2021 15:05(KST)

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] In India, which recorded the highest number of new COVID-19 cases worldwide due to the spread of the double mutant virus, a triple mutant virus has emerged.

According to local media on the 22nd, the triple mutant virus was recently found in various parts of India, including the capital New Delhi, western Maharashtra, eastern West Bengal, and central Chhattisgarh.

The triple mutant virus is a form with one additional mutation added to the double mutant virus. The double mutant virus is a virus that carries two types of mutant viruses together.

The Times of India reported, "The triple mutant virus is considered an evolved form of the double mutant virus."

Professor Madukar Pai, an epidemiologist at McGill University in Canada, expressed concern in an interview with NDTV, saying, "The triple mutant virus is a more contagious variant," and "More people can get sick very quickly."

The infectivity and destructiveness of the double mutant virus are already stronger than existing mutant viruses, and the triple mutant virus could be even more powerful.

In addition, variants originating from the UK, South Africa, and Brazil have also spread in India. In the case of the UK variant, it was found in 81% of infected individuals in a sample survey in Punjab last month.

NDTV pointed out, "The variants could trigger a new wave of spread not only in India but worldwide."

India recorded 314,835 new confirmed cases in one day (according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare), surpassing the previous world record held by the United States.

India's new confirmed cases approached 100,000 in September last year, then dropped below 10,000 in February this year. However, they have been surging repeatedly since last month.