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With the high transmissibility rate of Omicron being reported as one of the main reasons behind the sudden surge in Covid-19 cases across the globe, scientist Leondios Kostrikis has discovered a new strain of the virus in Cyprus. Yes, you heard it right. While the world continues to curb the spread of Omicron, a new strain of SARS-CoV-2 (reportedly called Deltacron), a combination of the delta and omicron variant, has been identified by Kostrikis and his team in Cyprus.
Kostrikis, professor at the University of Cyprus and head of the Laboratory of Biotechnology and Molecular Virology, in an interview with Sigma TV said, “There are currently omicron and delta co-infections and we found this strain that is a combination of these two,” as reported by Bloomberg. Furthermore, the report also quoted him saying that the new strain is currently being called ‘Deltacron’ due to its omicron-like genetic signatures within the delta genomes.
SEE ALSO: Are Your Reusable Cloth Face Masks Completely Safe Against Omicron? Here’s What Experts Say
While the team of scientists in Cyprus have found 25 cases, they have shared their findings with GISAID, the international database that tracks viruses, last week (on January 7). Meanwhile, Kostrikis, who discovered the new strain stated that it is likely to be ‘displaced’ by the contagious Omicron variant. “We will see in the future if this strain is more pathological or more contagious or if it will prevail,” he added.
The new SARS-CoV-2 found in Cyprus is yet to be officially acknowledged by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Meanwhile, a few days back, news variant, called ‘Florona‘ and IHU were identified in Israel and France, respectively.
#BREAKING: #Israel records first case of #florona disease, a double infection of #COVID19 and influenza: Al-Arabiya https://t.co/PTTLP4n0rS pic.twitter.com/mYpgnG8ZE1
— Arab News (@arabnews) December 31, 2021
While India confirmed its first Omicron death last week (in Rajasthan), the government has imposed new restrictions in multiple states to curb the spread of the virus.
SEE ALSO: India Approves 2 New COVID-19 Vaccines Covovax And Corbevax; Okays An Anti-Viral Pill Too
Cover Image: Shutterstock
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