Severe symptoms hit COVID patients; admissions of youths increased after festive season

22 April 2021 06:01 pm - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Following the festive season, researchers have observed a severe change in COVID-19 symptoms and a fair number of ICU admissions among young patients, a medical expert said today.

Sri Jayewardenepura University's Immunology and Molecular Medicine Department Director Dr. Chandima Jeewandara told the media his team was conducting researches to ascertain the present variant of the corona virus.

Meanwhile, he said they had described and reported the B.1.411 lineage (Sri Lankan lineage) is the predominant SARS-COV2 virus strain in Sri Lanka currently.

“However, we have observed a rapid increase in the proportion of SARS-CoV-2 samples with undetectable S-gene target (S-gene target failure, SGTF) for some real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing methods,"

“Deletion of amino acids 69 and 70 within the spike (S) gene of SARS-CoV-2, sometimes attributable to the N501Y mutation, can result in SGTF. SGTF was identified in regions of England affected by B.1.1.7, and, after validation with whole-genome sequencing, SGTF was determined to be a reliable marker of B.1.1.7,”

“Further, the E484K mutation, an escape mutation, is known to occur independently de novo in areas of high transmission, also described in our lineage recently. E484K mutations have been identified in B.1.351 and B.1.1.28 variants, and it appears to threaten the efficacy of vaccines. Hence, it would be essential to carry out a mutation analysis to investigate the emergence of E484K mutation in SARS-CoV2 virus strains circulating in Sri Lanka,”

“PCR kits were recently developed for full screening for SARS-CoV-2 and variants, including the five notable mutations in the S gene. This method is far cost-effective and rapid in detecting the emergence of mutation and new variants,”

“We hope we will get these kits within two days and accordingly, we will start testing from next Tuesday,” he added. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

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Comments - 15

Sam Silva Thursday, 22 April 2021 07:39 PM

We make people to do wrong things and then take stern actions.

Ravi Prasad Thursday, 22 April 2021 09:40 PM

The authorities are responsible for allowing citizens to feast. This is not the time for such activities especially when we know the capacities our hospitals can handle. But its not too late to take action like how the government manage the 1st wave. Wish them best of luck!

RoaringCreek Thursday, 22 April 2021 10:43 PM

The number of case seems to be growing as May Day draws near.

Ranaweera Thursday, 22 April 2021 10:46 PM

Dan Sepada? We see every day on TV that many politicians ignore and violate all health precautions. So people follow them.

Devon Friday, 23 April 2021 01:00 AM

Everybody will have to face the consequences for people's negligence during festive season. We can’t simply blame people but government should also be responsible for not imposing travel restrictions

Wasantha Friday, 23 April 2021 01:04 AM

Situation seems to be worsening day by day..Ooops

Nenura Wanniarachchi Friday, 23 April 2021 01:06 AM

Why still no lockdown...May be Gota wants daily cases to pass 1000..

Jhkkkkk Friday, 23 April 2021 01:08 AM

No protection from vaccine.?.It is another waste of money, i guess

Ranjan Friday, 23 April 2021 01:49 AM

Don't blame the public. The government allowed people to go around during the festive season without declaring a total lockdown. No proper planing

Sunil Friday, 23 April 2021 05:30 AM

Businessmen would have pushed government to lift restrictions for new year sales. It is ok as long as people strictly adhered to health guidelines. But that did not happen.

Shane Friday, 23 April 2021 06:38 AM

I wonder when the government will implement a few days of snap lock down, increase testing and contact trace the current spread of the virus? Are they going to wait till 1000 cases a day and increased number of deaths a day?

Lucifer Friday, 23 April 2021 06:54 AM

Don't worry. An inquiry and committee of experts who mater at brewing Kussippu and know nothing about infections disease will be appointed.

kudson Friday, 23 April 2021 07:24 AM

bull keeps flowing like a river who is coming in through our airports May day celebration preperation has started Happy wesak

Insh Friday, 23 April 2021 09:17 AM

Stay safe and be wise. Best not to depend on anyone for your own safety. Take all the precaution and avoid unnecessary travel. God bless and protect us all.

Eichmann Bernhard (Germany) Friday, 23 April 2021 03:16 PM

It's no wonder young people prefer to celebrate rather than pay attention to health.

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Severe symptoms hit COVID patients; admissions of youths increased after festive season

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