The lambda variant of Covid-19 has not been reported in India, sources claim.
Dr Pragya Yadav, Head of the National Institute of Virology’s Maximum Containment Facility, said that over 30 countries had reported cases of lambda variant.
This variant was first reported in Peru in December 2020, since then over 30 countries have reported cases of this variant. This variant is said to be more susceptible to the mRNA vaccine and convalescent serum was able to neutralise this variant.
The Lambda variant was designated the “Variant of Interest” by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Dr Pragya Yadav also reassured that this variant has not been reported in India, yet.
The UK Health Ministry added that the Lambda variant is much more dangerous and transmissible than the Delta variant. The UK Health Ministry tweeted that the variant was first reported in Peru, a country with one of the highest mortality rates.
According to the Euro News, almost 82% of the cases reported in May and June in Peru were of this Variant, which was also confirmed by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).
Public Health England reported cases of this variant which was said to have a higher transmissibility rate or having higher resistance to the antibodies.