AY.4      

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Context

• There are now 75 AY lineages identified, each with different additional defining mutations in their genome. One of these “AY.4” has been steadily growing in proportion in the UK over the last few months, accounting for 63% of new UK cases in the last 28 days.

About

• The newest mutation of the SARS-COV-2 virus, 'AY.4.2' is a sub-lineage of the Delta variant of the infectious virus. It's being currently dubbed as the 'Delta Plus' variant.
• As per leading scientists based out of Columbia University, as many as 75 AY lineages of coronavirus have been identified till now, but the concerning one in question, AY.4 is one such sub-variant which is rapidly branching out, and most particularly, deemed to be steadily rising in parts of the UK.

Read about other strains: https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/bengal-strain-all-about-mutation

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/new-sublineage-of-coronavirus-ay-4-2-classified-as-a-rising-variant-how-concerned-should-we-be/photostory/87307113.cms?picid=87307281