India registered an upsurge in Covid-19 cases as it also identified two new subvariants of SARS-CoV-2, namely NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. The health ministry validated the upsurge with Kerala at the forefront of new infections. Experts highlight that these variants are at the moment being monitored and not considered variants of concern.
The government is in high alert as states are reporting growing numbers of cases, although most are mild.
Covid-19 Cases Surge, Kerala Tops
Kerala had 430 new Covid-19 cases during the last week, the highest in Indian states. Maharashtra and Delhi had 209 and 104 cases, respectively. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh also had new infections.
All in all, India has 1,009 active cases now. Even with the surge, authorities say that most of the cases are mild and are treated at home.
Novel Variants INSACOG’s discovery
India’s SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has identified two new subvariants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. The World Health Organization (WHO) has categorized both as “Variants Under Monitoring.” This suggests that they do not pose a serious threat to global health at this time. Nevertheless, the spread of both is being closely monitored by authorities to determine whether transmissibility or severity changes.
The Union Health Secretary had a meeting on Saturday with top officials from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Department of Health Research (DHR), the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
They discussed the new variations and the recent surge. High-level coordination is required to plan a timely and efficient response.
Precautions and Public Guidance
India registered an upsurge in Covid-19 cases as it also identified two new subvariants of SARS-CoV-2, namely NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. The health ministry validated the upsurge with Kerala at the forefront of new infections.
Experts highlight that these variants are at the moment being monitored and not considered variants of concern. The government is in high alert as states are reporting growing numbers of cases, although most are mild.