16.9 C
Cape Town
Saturday, May 10, 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

Kruger National Park: Mass Vulture Poisoning Sparks Largest-Ever Rescue

  In what is being described as one of the largest wildlife poisoning incidents ever recorded in Southern Africa, 84 vultures have been rescued following...

Process for new Pope begins

    A Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff at Saint Peter's Basilica on Wednesday kicked off the conclave proceedings. This is as cardinals...

Outrage as ‘Blue Light Mafia’ Officers Acquitted

  The Chairperson of Parliament’s Police Committee Ian Cameron has condemned the acquittal of eight VIP Protection Unit officers – widely known as the #BlueLightMafia...