Filenews 25 March 2021
Another 45 positive samples were detected in the British mutated strain of the virus, according to an update received by the Ministry of Health from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). As has been found by the scientific community internationally, the British mutation is more aggressive, causes about 60% more transmission of the virus and, in many cases, is responsible for the increase in cases within the community.
As ECDC informs, the specialized examination for sequencing in samples sent from Cyprus was successful in 78 samples relating to the period beginning from January to 6 March.
Of interest are the following data, obtained from the examination of the samples and correlated with the time the positive sample was taken:
- Last week December 2020 – January: Out of a total of 18 samples, the incidence rate of the English variant is estimated at 0%.
- 1-15 February: Out of a total of 16 strains, the incidence rate of the English variant is estimated at 31.25%, i.e. in five samples out of a total of 16.
- 15 February – 6 March: Out of a total of 44 strains, the incidence rate of the English variant is estimated at 91%, i.e. 40 samples out of a total of 44.
Of the 45 samples in which the British mutation was identified, 44 relate to positive cases from Limassol Province (set of samples examined: 73) and one concerns a positive case from Paphos Province (set of samples examined: 5).
It is also noted that so far, the sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 strains has been successful in 461 samples, 177 of which identified the British variant of the virus, 38.39%.
Virus mutations are of great concern in all European countries, with ECDC recommendations focusing on intensifying controls by exploiting mass controls, strict surveillance at the entrance gates and tracing case contacts, with a view to early detection of mutations.
In line with ECDC directives, at national level Cyprus has invested in the continuous surveillance of the country's epidemiological image through increased tests in the community, as well as increased controls at the entrance gates of the Republic. The thorough tracing of contacts of positive incidents has contributed decisively to the early detection of cases and their isolation, a practice that has resulted in further outbreaks in the community.
Source: eyenews
