India's COVID-19 crisis intensifies with the emergence of a 'triple mutant' variant, following the 'double mutant' strain, amid an uncontrollable second wave.
SARS-CoV-2 mutations thrive in high-transmission environments. As reported by The Independent on April 22, 2021, India—the world's second-hardest-hit nation with over 15 million cases and nearly 185,000 deaths—has seen multiple variants emerge after those from the UK, South Africa, and Brazil.
The ongoing second wave is driven by B.1.617, the 'double mutant' variant combining E484Q and L452R mutations, known for higher transmissibility. Now, a 'triple mutant' strain—formed by the convergence of three coronavirus strains—has surfaced in Delhi, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra, though still under investigation.
Epidemiology professor Madhukar Pai from McGill University told NDTV on April 21 that this triple mutant may be more transmissible, with ongoing studies expected to clarify soon. India shattered global records with 310,000 new daily cases on one day, totaling one million between April 17-21.
Major cities like New Delhi lead contamination hotspots, straining health systems. Oxygen shortages plague the capital, while medicine scarcity affects the nation. The 'double mutant' has spread to Australia, the US, UK, and Singapore, making this new triple mutant a global concern.
