Peruvian health authorities have confirmed the first Delta COVID-19 variant case in Arequipa region and have recommended tightening prevention measures due to its higher transmissibility.
Last Wednesday,
Health Minister Oscar Ugarte informed that the first case of the Indian variant had been detected in a 78-year-old patient in Arequipa region, where the cases and deaths are increasing.
"Even though the reduction of efficacy (of the vaccine) is not big, it is something we must try to solve as soon as possible," the researcher said.
450 samples from Arequipa region
Escalante indicated that, as soon as
the Delta variant was detected, the INS coordinated with Minsa’s National Center for Epidemiology, Prevention and Disease Control (CDC) to undertake epidemiological control actions.
"Today, 450 samples from people who were near the first reported case have been sent to us, in order to find out if this variant has spread or not, with the purpose of increasing the epidemiological surveillance," he added.
Likewise, Escalante mentioned that next week the genomic sequencing of 350 samples —sent to Lima— will be ready.
According to the expert, it is not inconceivable to suggest that the increase of cases in Arequipa region could be related to the emergence of the Delta variant.
It is not more lethal
Furthermore, the INS representative stated that studies have shown that the new variant is less lethal than the British (Alpha) and Brazilian (Gama) ones.
In addition, Escalante stressed that it is critical to tighten prevention measures, such as hand washing, the use of face masks, and social distancing.
(END) KGR/RMB
Published: 6/13/2021