Variants like Delta, Alpha, and Kappa are said to be more transmissible (File)
Two cases of the highly transmissible Kappa variant of COVID-19 have been detected in Uttar Pradesh through the genome sequencing of samples, the state government said today.
The samples returned positive for the variant in Lucknow's King George medical college, according to an official statement.
The Delta Plus variant of COVID-19 was found in 107 samples, said the statement, adding that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had been informed.
"Both the variants are not new for the state. The facility of genome sequencing is being increased in the state," the statement issued after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's Covid review meeting said.
Genome sequencing is a laboratory process that is instrumental in characterising the mutations and tracking disease outbreaks.
At present, the daily positivity rate in the state is 0.04 per cent.
When asked about the Kappa variant, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Amit Mohan Prasad said earlier also cases of this variant were found in the state.
"There is nothing to worry about. This is a variant of coronavirus and its treatment is possible," Mr Prasad was quoted saying by news agency PTI.
Mr Prasad, as a measure of caution, did not divulge the names of the affected districts or places of its origin.
Even as the virulent second wave of infections seems to be ebbing, state governments are on the watch as variants like Delta, Alpha, and Kappa are said to be more transmissible.