Coronavirus New Variant N440K.
                     CORONAVIRUS NEW 
VARIANT: N440K
Introduction
• As the country is witnessing a continuous rise in COVID-19 cases, a new 
variant, 'N440K', has been reported in the southern part of India, especially 
Andhra Pradesh. 
Source: english.jagran.com
New variant
• Reportedly, this new variant of SARS-CoV-2 is the reason behind the havoc 
caused in Visakhapatnam, Karnataka, Telangana and other southern parts. 
Also, this virus was found in parts of Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.
Source: english.jagran.com
What is 'N440K'?
• It is said to be 15 times more powerful than the original variant because if a 
person infected with the original variant would reach the dyspnea or hypoxia 
stage within a week, but if a person infected with N440K would reach the 
serious condition-stage within just three-four days. 
Source: english.jagran.com
Severe complications
• As per reports, N440K is a powerful variant that spreads rapidly, leading to 
severe complications. 
• Also, it is believed that the Andhra COVID strain can transmit to more than 
four people within a short span.
Source: english.jagran.com
What CCMB say about N440K?
• Debunking all the reports, the Hyderabad based Centre for Cellular and 
Molecular Biology (CCMB) said that there is no evidence regarding the 
Andhra COVID strain is deadly or more infectious than other COVID-19 
strains.
Source: english.jagran.com
Presence of N440K
• CCMB's Director Rakesh Mishra said that N440K is less than 5 per cent in the 
state. Also, it is on the verge to disappear or get replaced by other existing 
variants.
Source: english.jagran.com
Comparison with B1617
• While comparing the data from Maharashtra, it was found that the increase 
in the B1617 is seen in February than March 2021 and there was reduction in 
N440K.
Source: english.jagran.com
Situation in Maharashtra
• In Maharashtra, the second wave started a month and half earlier than the 
four southern states along with the explosion of B1617 at the expense of 
N440K
Source: english.jagran.com
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