Omicron’s BA.5 sub-variant detected in Nepal

Kathmandu: A new sub-variant of Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been detected in Nepal.

According to the Epidemiology and Infectious Disease Control Division director Dr Chumanlal Das, gene sequencing conducted at a lab of Kavrepalanchowk-based Dhulikhel Hospital confirmed the presence of the BA.5 sub-variant. As he said, a further study about the virus is going on and the Division is trying to identify its carrier.

Prior to this, the BA.2 Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 was found and gene sequencing of the sample infected is underway at the National Public Health Laboratory, Teku.

The COVID-19 infection rate is gradually increasing in the country. —