Reports from the World Health Organization now say three more African countries:
Algeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria – have now detected the Indian variant of coronavirus.
WHO expert Dr Ngoy Nsenga who co-ordinates the WHO’s Covid-19 response in Africa, said he had no further details on the number of cases or travel history of the people who tested positive in Algeria, Dr Congo and Nigeria.
Dr. Nsega said the confirmation brings to seven the number of African nations that have confirmed the B.1.617 mutation.
Referring to initial studies, the mutation spreads more easily than other variants.
The WHO has recently classified the Indian mutation as a variant of global concern.
It is being studied to establish whether it is responsible for a deadly surge in India.
The situation is currently overwhelming hospitals and crematoriums.
The variant which was detected in October 2020 has so far been confirmed in Four African countries all linked with recent travel to India.
The counties are Kenya ,Morocco, South Africa and Uganda.