Explained: What Is The New Omicron Sub-variant XBB Detected In India?
The new Omicron sub-variant, a recombinant strain XBB, is detected in India. The variant, which is a cross between two omicron sub-lineages, BJ.1 and BA.2.75, is on the rise in India.
The new Omicron sub-variant, a recombinant strain XBB, is detected in India. The variant, which is a cross between two omicron sub-lineages, BJ.1 and BA.2.75, is on the rise in India. According to the country's Sars-CoV-2 sequencing team, Maharashtra accounts for 20 to 30% of infections. The state also has witnessed the BA.2.3.20 and BQ.1 types, a first for the country. However, the share of instances containing BA.2.75, an Omicron subvariant, has dropped from 95% to 76%.
AP/Representational image
The tally of new COVID-19 cases increased by 17.17% between October 10 and 16 versus the previous week, October 3 to October 9. The most significant increases were in thickly urbanized Thane, Raigad, and Mumbai.
What precautions can you take?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has categorized Omicron as a 'variant of concern.' Similarly, its progeny and second-generation variations are also of concern. However, even though these mutations cause a greater proportion of illnesses, they do not increase hospitalizations or fatalities.
The Kerala government said early on October 17 that they were ramping up preventative actions in the state in response to new COVID-19 genetic mutations being observed from other countries around the world. In a statement, the state's health minister Veena George said that everyone, particularly older people and those undergoing chronic conditions, should take extra measures and wear masks correctly for self-protection. It noted that COVID-19's latest genetic variants, XBB and XBB1, are much more infectious than any previous genetic variants.
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The new COVID variants are more likely to substantially impact the aged and those with chronic conditions; both categories need to receive the vaccine booster/preventive dosage.
The XBB variant has an added benefit in growth over BA.2.75 and immune evasion. According to a health department advisory, the XBB type detected in the state exhibits immunological evasion characteristics.
Will there be a significant increase this winter?
During the festival season, people congregate in congested areas. The cases are anticipated to rise, although not due to any particular variety. It would be because individuals take loose precautionary measures amid festivals. Therefore, winter and the Christmas season might be possible catalysts for future hikes. Currently, there is no clinical evidence that Covid-19 has a seasonal trend.
AP
Following the department's advisory, patients suffering from an influenza-like illness should minimize their contact with the general populace as much as possible. Alongside, comorbidity patients should use extra caution when in public places.
According to the state health agency, individuals should not disregard flu-like indications and should seek medical attention as soon as possible. They must engage in COVID-appropriate behavior as early as feasible.
What's happening around the globe?
XBB has been discovered in various regions of the world, but it is multiplying in Singapore. In Singapore, XBB currently beats all other Omicron sub-variants. The variant grew to account for more than 50% of all daily occurrences in Singapore in only three weeks. Despite the rise, Singapore's health ministry concluded that there was no evidence that the subvariant was responsible for significant repercussions.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of illnesses recorded in the United States on October 12 was 11.9% lower than the preceding week. The related hospitalization was down 4.4%, while fatalities were down 8.5%. In Singapore, the infection is causing an increase, contributing to 54% of local cases.
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