Dear Editor,
There has been a spike in Covid infections in Guyana that apparently is still experiencing its first phase. Unlike several other countries, lab studies are not being done to determine whether the recent spike is still the normal virus or a new variant of family of coronaviruses like that found in Brazil, South Africa, UK, and India. Tests and studies need to be done in Guyana to determine Coronavirus type. Contact tracing is also important to determine whether vaccines have been effective. Just to clarify, the corona viruses are so named because that is where they have been found. Classifying variants is just a matter of academic interest. They can actually exist in any country even if persons from those countries don’t travel to other countries. Based on the prevalence in a country, the strain may become dominant there. The new strain has devastated India over the last month.
In a recent report, WHO has noted the various Covid-19 variants; the Indian variant, B.1.617 has been categorised as a Variant of Concern (VOC), meaning more tests need to be done. The other virus mutations in Brazil, UK, and SA are categorized as Variant of Interest requiring more tests and studies and international scrutiny. The Indian variant is mutating, apparently avoiding the vaccine and transmission is rapidly increasing. The virus found in India is double and triple mutations, making detection somewhat difficult even in the best of labs. Studies need to be done on whether vaccines are working against the various coronavirus mutations. In the developed countries and in India and South Africa, among others, lab studies are being done to determine efficacy. The vaccines have been found to be effective in most countries including in India against the varied mutations. But such studies apparently are not being done in Guyana. Guyana lacks the expertise and capacity to carry out these studies. The WHO or the US CDC should be approached. There are also labs in Caribbean countries that can run tests. Samples of specimen of infected should be collected and sent abroad for tests to determine variant type.
In the meanwhile, to protect against infection, I encourage individual lockdown, social distancing, face masking, and eating healthy to mitigate against getting Covid-19. People must stay alert and avoid crowds and those they know have been infected over the last couple weeks. The vaccine is not foolproof against infection.
Sincerely,
Vishnu Bisram
