New Covid strain in South Africa may escape immune system, warn researchers
The new, mutated coronavirus variant may be able to slip parts of the immune system, according to researchers.
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UPDATED: January 22, 2021 14:06 IST
If the virus continues to evolve and become resistant to the antibodies, it could also mean that the current vaccines developed may need to be redesigned to produce an antibody response, according to experts. (Photo for representation: AFP)
According to researchers, the new coronavirus strain in South Africa may be of greater concern to healthcare professionals and the general public.
The new, mutated coronavirus variant may be able to slip parts of the immune system, reports said, adding that the novel coronavirus may be able to reinfect more than half the people who have already been sick with the Covid-19.
According to the Union Health Ministry on Sunday, India has reported 15,144 fresh coronavirus cases, 17,170 discharges and 181 fatalities in the past 24 hours.
Seropositivity for COVID-19 lesser in smokers, vegetarians: CSIR
Our finding that smokers are less likely to be seropositive is the first report from the general population and part of growing evidence that despite COVID-19 being a respiratory disease, smoking may be protective, CSIR said
PTI | January 18, 2021 | Updated 01:01 IST
Smokers and vegetarians were found to have lower seropositivity indicating that they may be at a lesser risk of getting infected by coronavirus, according to a pan-India serosurvey conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research in its nearly 40 institutes.
The survey also found that those with blood group O may be less susceptible to the infection, while people with B and AB blood groups were at a higher risk.
China reports first coronavirus death in 8 months amid new strain scare
China reports first coronavirus death in 8 months amid new strain scare
As China battles to contain a resurgence in Covid-19 cases, China reported its first death from the virus in eight months on Thursday.
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UPDATED: January 14, 2021 11:35 IST
The hashtag New virus death in Hebei quickly ratcheted up 100 million views on the Twitter-like Weibo platform on Thursday. (Photo: Reuters)
China reported its first death from Covid-19 in eight months on Thursday as the country battles to contain a resurgence in cases.
More than 20 million people are under lockdown in the north of the country and one province has declared an emergency, as daily Covid-19 numbers climb after months of reporting only a handful of daily cases.
Four passengers travelling on Air India's London-Delhi flight have tested positive for the novel coronavirus on arrival, a top official of Genestrings Diagnostic Centre (GDC) said on Monday.