In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the Delta variant of the Covid 19 virus is present. A mutation is detected in about 20% of PCR tests screened, a rate higher than the national average. Two departments are under surveillance: Isère and Haute-Savoie.
The Delta variant of Covid 19 worries the authorities. More transmissible, it could become the dominant variant. It is therefore actively monitored: in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the mutation is detected in around 20% of the PCR tests screened, a value slightly higher than the national average which amounts to around 10%. “The laboratories are called as soon as there is a positive result to ensure screening, that is to say a more detailed analysis of the virus found. In these situations, the screening makes it possible to identify a certain number of possible mutations. As soon as certain mutations are found, they are transferred to a so-called “reference” laboratory which does the sequencing, that is to say the complete analysis of the entire genome of the virus in order to follow the evolution. variants “, explains Anne-Marie Durand, director of the public health center of the ARS (Regional Health Agency).
Increasing traffic
“It is extremely followed”, insists Doctor Durand. The Delta variant, also called the Indian variant, is characterized by the C. “We are monitoring these mutations which lead to measures to limit the circulation of these viruses. Sequencing takes about ten days. We do not wait for the results of this sequencing to take the necessary measures. On the other hand, we do not have precise figures on the circulating variants because when we have the information that it is an Indian variant, we have settled the situation. If there was no escape, it’s settled ”, specifies Anne-Marie Durand. Nationally, she finds that the C mutation is increasing. “The traffic is increasing, that’s what worries us. We fear re-circulation and a subsequent epidemic phase, despite the sharp drop in global viral circulation today ”.
Haute-Savoie and Isère closely watched
In the region, it designates 2 points of vigilance: Isère and Haute-Savoie. “In Haute-Savoie, it is a family situation, with a few people around, which is totally under control. We had confirmation that it was indeed the Indian variant but this situation is resolved because there were no secondary cases. It showed the global figures, of course, because we tracked a lot around “, indicates Anne-Marie Durand.
