By Mahima Devkota, Kathmandu, July 15:  As of July 15, nine cases of the Delta Plus variant have been detected across the nation.

According to Dr Krishna Prasad Poudel, spokesperson of the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), out of gene sequencing performed in 47 swab samples, the Delta Plus variant of the novel coronavirus was found in nine samples.

Meanwhile, Dr Sher Bahadur Pun, chief of the clinical research unit at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Teku, said that the current cases of delta plus variant did not pose a grave risk.

"However, this variant is considered to be highly contagious. Thus, we all must continue abiding by the public health standards and prevent the infection," Dr Pun advised.

He said, “The Delta Plus variant shows a similar mutation trend like that of the African Variant, which overpowers the natural immune system of the human body and effectiveness of anti-coronavirus vaccines.”

"But no other research on the mutation of coronavirus has come up with a similar conclusion," said Dr Pun, adding, "On the basis of this information on delta variant trend, we can estimate the delta plus variant is more infectious."

Furthermore, our neighbouring country India has reported some 48 cases of Delta Plus variant out of gene sequencing of 45,000 samples.