The Butantan Institute has detected 36 different types of coronavirus circulating in the state of São Paulo, three of which have been identified for the first time. The Variant Alert Network Epidemiological Bulletin also identified four new strains of the delta variant. Despite the increasing number of variables, cases of Covid-19 have decreased in São Paulo.
The information was presented by the Director of the Center for Scientific Development in Bhutantan, Sandra Visoni, at an event held by ILP (São Paulo Legislative Institute) in partnership with FAPESP (São Paulo State Research Support Foundation).
Among the variants identified in an unprecedented way are B.1.1621.1, also known as Copa America; to 1.540 b. and AY.3; With one case, five and three cases, respectively.
The presence of new viral mutations in the state worries experts because of the high rate of infection for some strains, such as Delta itself, which has been responsible for an increase in cases in the UK.
According to Sandra Visoni, despite new records, the gamma variant is still the most frequent in São Paulo, corresponding to 85% of cases, followed by the delta variant with 3%.
However, while far from accounting for the majority of cases in the state, the delta variant has spread rapidly, and has been identified in 13 of the 17 regional health divisions, accounting for 100% of infections in the regional registry; 61.54% in Baixada Santista; 56.41% in Sao Joao de Boa Vista; and 43.31% in Greater Sao Paulo. Meanwhile, the incidence of the gamma variant, which is most common in Brazil, is declining.
Sandra Visoni highlighted the importance of delta variable monitoring. “We understand that the collection of this information is necessary for us to promote the importance of the inclusion of Delta in the state of São Paulo. What this entry means in relation to increased hospitalization and family use,” he said.
Despite the increase in the number of variables, the Putantan Institute found a decrease in the incidence of coronavirus cases in the state, with 14 regional health departments having fewer infections than the previous week. The other three divisions recorded stable cases.