The National Institute for
Communicable Diseases (NICD) a division of the National Health Laboratory
Service, has confirmed that two new COVID-19 variants have been detected in
South Africa.
These are the B.1.617.2,
found predominantly in India and B.1.1.7 variants currently dominating in
Europe and North America.
According to a media statement
released by the NICD, they have sequenced COVID-19 specimens from individuals
with a recent travel history to India.
“The institute can confirm
that four of the specimens tested positive for B.1.617.2 (two cases from
Gauteng and two from KwaZulu-Natal). The B.1.617.2 variant is currently
highlighted as a variant of interest by the World Health Organization and is
one of multiple variants circulating in India. All cases have been isolated and
managed according to COVID-19 case management guidelines and contact tracing
has been performed in order to limit the spread of this variant,” the statement
read.
“Another
variant that is currently dominating COVID-19 infections in Europe and North
America, B.1.1.7, has also been detected in South Africa,” the statement read
further.
Eleven cases of B.1.1.7
have been confirmed, with eight cases in the Western Cape, two in Gauteng and
one case in KwaZulu-Natal.
NICD acting Executive
Director, Prof Adrian Puren, said it is not surprising that new variants have
been detected in South Africa.
“We would like to assure
the public that the institute is focusing their resources and research efforts
towards understanding the variants and what the potential implications are for
South Africa,” he said.
Head of the Division of
Public Health Surveillance and Response at the NICD, Dr Michelle Groome, added
that provincial health authorities remain on high alert and are prioritising
the sequencing of COVID-19 positive samples from travellers entering the
country, from India specifically and their close contacts.
Puren
added that minimising the spread of the disease and possibly curtailing a
resurgence through compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions cannot be
emphasised enough.
“We understand that many
are suffering from COVID-19 fatigue and becoming lax in exercising preventative
measures, but for the sake of yourselves and your loved ones, wash or sanitise
your hands, wear your masks and maintain a physical distance of 1.5 m from others.
Remember to hold gatherings outdoors or in well ventilated areas and roll up
your sleeve once the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available to you,” Puren concluded.
Source: NICD media statement
