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This new variant of SARS-CoV-2 is the reason behind the havoc caused in Visakhapatnam, Karnataka, Telangana, and other southern parts. This virus was also found in parts of Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.

As the country is witnessing a rise in Covid cases, a new variant, ‘N440K’ is creating a buzz – It is spreading a lot more in the southern states especially Andhra Pradesh as compared to the other Covid variants.

According to reports, this new variant of SARS-CoV-2 is the reason behind the havoc caused in Visakhapatnam, Karnataka, Telangana, and other southern parts. This virus was also found in parts of Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. 

What is ‘N440K’?

N440K is a powerful variant that spreads rapidly – It leads to severe Covid-related complications. As per reports, it is 15 times more virulent than the original variant because if a person gets infected with the original variant, he/she would reach the dyspnea or hypoxia stage within a week, but if a person gets infected with the N440K variant, he/she would reach the serious condition-stage within just three-four days. The Andhra Covid strain can transmit to more than four people within a short span.

What did CCMB find about N440K?

The Hyderabad-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) recently said no evidence regarding the Andhra coronavirus strain is deadly or more infectious than others.

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