Three New Variant Virus Cases Confirmed in Pakistan and Uzbekistan Arrivals

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Among the domestic confirmed cases of COVID-19 imported from overseas, three new variant cases have been identified.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated at a regular briefing held on the 7th at the Osong Disease Control Headquarters in Chungbuk, "We have identified three new mutations in the spike protein involved in infection from viruses detected in overseas entrants, reported them to the World Health Organization (WHO), and plan to conduct further analysis."

According to the health authorities, the cases with confirmed mutations include two from Pakistan and one from Uzbekistan. Head Jung explained, "As of the 5th, the COVID-19 virus genetic information database (GISAID) operated by WHO contains 78,810 cases, and the newly identified cases are mutations that have not been reported globally until now."

The health authorities plan to conduct additional analysis on the three new mutations. Although there is no impact on diagnosis, it is necessary to review changes in infectivity and pathogenicity. Head Jung said, "There is no impact on genetic testing (PCR), but it is necessary to review whether there are changes in infectivity or pathogenicity."

Meanwhile, an analysis of the nucleotide sequences of virus genes detected in 776 specimens from confirmed cases collected by the Disease Control Headquarters from January to recently revealed that the 'GH group' virus was predominantly detected. Among the 776 cases, genetic analysis of 597 specimens from domestic community-acquired cases showed that the GH group accounted for 437 cases, or 73.2%. In the case of imported cases, among 179 specimens, the GR group was the most common with 100 cases (55.9%).