This category indicates that B.1.617 may show, among other indicators, evidence of greater transmissibility or evidence of greater severity.

The World Health Organization has classified variant B.1.617 COVID-19, which was first identified in India, as a concerning variant, the WHO technical lead for COVID-19 said Monday during a Press conference.

“variant of concern” label indicates that the identified variant may show, among other indicators, evidence of increased transmissibility or evidence of greater severity.

“There is some information available that suggests a higher transmissibility of B.1.617,” said Maria Van Kerkhove.

The WHO said it will publish more information on the variant in its Situation Report on Tuesday.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on their website currently classifies variant B.1.617 as a “variant of interest . ” CNN has reached out to the CDC to see if it has immediate plans to reclassify B.1.617 as a “variant of concern” in the United States.

 

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