B1.617 strain of COVID-19 may present with unusual symptoms
A certain strain of COVID-19 may present with more serious and unusual symptoms than others, according to a leading global health body.
The B1.617 variant of the virus, first detected in India, can have effects such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, hearing impairment and joint pains.
B1.617, considered was first identified in India in December last year and is considered highly infectious.
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The B1.617 variant of the virus was first detected in India. AP
The B.1.617 is a variant with three sub-lineages – B.1.617.1, B.1.617.2 and B.1.617.3.
It has rapidly spread through India and to other countries, including Australia.
The latest COVID-19 case in Melbourne is the B.1.617 strain.
Global Biosecurity research published in the Watching Brief: The evolution and impact of COVID-19 variants B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1 and B.1.617, found the B1.617 strain did present differently from other variants.
"Limited data is available on the B.1.617 variant. However, data gathered from hospitals in India on people testing positive for COVID-19 have shown unusual viral symptoms," it reads.
"Patients are presenting with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and hearing impairments.
"There has also been an increase in symptoms of joint pain and a loss of appetite.
"Some infected individuals are experiencing no fever or a delayed onset of fever."
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The variant of the virus has presented with different symptoms compared to other strains. AP
Researchers said due to the unusual features, medical professionals are encouraging anyone who feels unwell to get tested.
The Watching Brief also found while there is little evidence at the current time, the second wave of COVID-19 in India, where B.1.617 was first found, is showing a higher rates of secondary infection.
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People have rushed to get tested following the latest COVID-19 outbreak in Melbourne. Nine
"Around 60-90 per cent of people who come into contact with an infected individual are testing positive," the research states.
"Unconfirmed reports from Delhi also report high secondary household attack rates.
"This is in contrast to 30-40 per cent in the first wave."
This is however anecdotal evidence in its preliminary stages.
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