The variant of the novel coronavirus currently ravaging India is not only highly infectious, but also stealthy, scientists have found.
For instance, hospitals in New Delhi are getting cases of patients displaying typical symptoms of COVID-19 but test negative for the virus through repeated RT-PCR tests, which is considered the gold standard for COVID testing, reported Times of India.
Such patients are later diagnosed with the virus via the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) test, which involves a flexible scope being inserted into the lungs through the mouth or nose, before a measured amount of fluid is introduced and collected for examination.
Experts think this is due to the new variant of the virus attaching itself to the ACE receptors in the patients' lungs, and not colonising the nasal or throat cavity, which explains the failure to detect through swab tests.
Patients of this possibly mutated virus are also displaying symptoms different than the ones commonly documented.
These includes cases of conjunctivitis, runny nose, cold and diarrhea, as opposed to cough, and breathlessness, which are previous documented symptoms of the virus.
The mutated virus also reportedly have a shorter incubation period than the previous strains, which means that symptoms appear early.
India has officially overtaken Brazil to become the second country worst hit by the coronavirus.
The country so far has more than 13.6 million confirmed cases, and over 171,000 deaths, just after the US, which leads the list with over 31 million cases and 576,000 deaths.
Source: Times of India
Photo source: sciencemag.org
Shuman
Tue Apr 13 2021

Vaara Raasipalan I 24th September 2023 - 30th September 2023
Get ready to discover what the stars have in store for you! Don't miss Raasipalan, the weekly astrology program on Vaanavil every Sunday at 9am.
Subramaniam Sooryapparad I Saravedi Talk
HEMANATHAN I Saravedi Talk
Capt Murthi I Saravedi Talk
Kabil Ganesan I Saravedi Games
Kabil Ganesan I Saravedi Talk
YBhg Datuk Dr. Ravee Packirisamy I Saravedi Talk
GS Tharmann I Saravedi Games
Tamil Amutham_Week 4
Recap of the top 20 contestants of the Tamil Pechu Potti competition: They will engage in a Face-Off Challenge during the corresponding week of the Saravedi Night.
In Week 4, Thamayanthyi and Pugalini competed to win the coveted title. The event is also available on Astro Go and On Demand.
In Week 4, Thamayanthyi and Pugalini competed to win the coveted title. The event is also available on Astro Go and On Demand.
Vaara Raasipalan I 17th September 2023 - 24th September 2023
Get ready to discover what the stars have in store for you! Don't miss Raasipalan, the weekly astrology program on Vaanavil every Sunday at 9am.