KATHMANDU, MAY 24
A new sub-variant of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus has been discovered in Nepal.
Krishna Prasad Jaisi, the information officer at the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL), stated that 'KP 1', 'KP 2', 'KP 3', and 'KP 4' were confirmed through gene sequencing conducted on samples collected from 42 individuals infected with the coronavirus.
According to Jaisi, the gene sequencing involved samples collected from infected individuals across all seven provinces in April and May. Among these, the 'KP 1' sub-variant of the Omicron variant was detected in 12 samples, 'KP 2' in 17 samples, 'KP 3' in one sample, and 'KP 4' in one sample.
"This is not a new variant. It is a sub-variant of the Omicron variant. It has simply been given a new name," added Jaisi.
Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, stated that the 'KP' variant is not highly contagious. "The 'KP' variant is not very infectious and does not have a significant impact," he added.
Out of the 42 samples tested at the NPHL, the Omicron (JN 1) variant was found in seven samples, and the Omicron (BA 2) variant in two samples.
