New Sub-Variants of Omicron Detected in Nepal

A new set of sub-variants of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus has been identified in Nepal, according to the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL). Krishna Prasad Jaisi, NPHL's information officer, confirmed that four new sub-variants, labeled 'KP 1', 'KP 2', 'KP 3', and 'KP 4', were detected through gene sequencing of samples from 42 COVID-19 patients.

The gene sequencing, conducted in April and May, included samples from all seven provinces of Nepal. Results showed that 'KP 1' was present in 12 samples, 'KP 2' in 17 samples, 'KP 3' in one sample, and 'KP 4' in one sample. Jaisi emphasized that these are not entirely new variants but sub-variants of Omicron, simply given new names.

Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population, reassured the public about the nature of these sub-variants. "The 'KP' variants are not highly contagious and do not have a significant impact," he stated.

Additionally, the NPHL's analysis found the Omicron (JN 1) sub-variant in seven samples and the Omicron (BA 2) sub-variant in two samples out of the 42 tested.