A new double mutant variant of COVID-19 has been identified in the Indian state of Maharashtra.

Scientists have found two mutations of coronavirus come together from the samples collected in Maharashtra.

Scientists have found two mutations of coronavirus come together from the samples collected in Maharashtra. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG) grouping of 10 National Laboratories is carrying out genomic sequencing and analysis of circulating COVID-19 virus variants. Since December 2020, INSACOG has detected 771 variants of concerns (VOCs) in a total of 10787 positive samples.

Recently scientists have detected the double mutant COVID-19 variant in the samples collected from Maharashtra. Such mutation confers immune escape and increased infectivity. The analysis of the samples collected from Maharashtra found an increase in the fraction of samples with the E484Q and L452R mutations compared with December last year and is classified as VOCs [variants of concern].

Mutations in viruses are natural which change the genetic code of the virus without causing any serious infections. India's government has denied that the recent spike in corona cases is linked to the new mutations found.

The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.