14.4 C
Cape Town
Thursday, May 1, 2025

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases says it cannot rule out the possibility that the B.1.617 variant of Covid-19 – first detected in India – might already be in South Africa.

Published on

According to news-website, IOL, the acting director of NICD, Professor Adrian Puren says when they look at all the other variants in circulation, it may well be inevitable that other variants will reach South African shores because of travel.

The NICD however says the variant has not yet been detected in South Africa.

The B.1.617 variant has raised global concern after being reported in 17 countries including Germany, Belgium, the UK, Switzerland, Singapore and Fiji.

Scientists says the variant carries two mutations, which could potentially make it more contagious and deadlier, but could also allow the variant to evade a vaccinated body’s immune system.

Latest articles

Cape Town Looks to Ease Tariff Burden For Homeowners

  The City of Cape Town is planning to extend municipal rate relief to more homeowners and pensioners as part of efforts to soften the...

Green Point Flea Market Returns After 15-Year Hiatus

  After being closed for over a decade due to the construction of the Cape Town Stadium precinct, the iconic Green Point Flea Market is...

Tragic Discovery: Missing SAPS Officers Found Dead in Hennops River

  The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the discovery of three missing police officers, whose bodies were recovered from the Hennops River in...