As new sub-variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, both of which are members of the developing Omicron lineage, are found in various regions of the nation, India has reported additional cases of COVID-19.
Data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) shows that four cases of LF.7 were reported in Gujarat in May, and one case of NB.1.8.1 was discovered in Tamil Nadu in April. The most recent addition to the list is a 55-year-old lady from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, who became the first confirmed case in the area during the current surge after testing positive for COVID-19.
According to Dr. Narendra Kumar, the chief medical officer for Gautam Buddha Nagar, the woman, who had just taken a train, is in home isolation and her close contacts have tested negative. Three Covid-19 cases were also reported by AIIMS Rishikesh; one of the patients has been released, while the others are still being monitored. The present variety “is not very harmful,” but caution is still urged, especially for those with comorbidities, according to Dr. Meenu Singh, Director of AIIMS Rishikesh.
The JN.1 variation, which makes up 53% of all sequenced samples and is still the most prevalent strain in India, has sub-lineages NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is keeping an eye on these sub-variants as “Variants Under Monitoring,” which means that although they have changes that may affect the behaviour of the virus, they are not yet categorised as “Variants of Concern” or “Variants of Interest.”
According to preliminary research and professional opinions, these sub-variants are more contagious and more adept at eluding immune defences than previous strains. Notable spike protein mutations A435S, V445H, and T478I, for example, are present in NB.1.8.1 and may improve the virus’s capacity for infection and immune evasion. The L455S mutation, which is present in the JN.1 lineage itself, is thought to make it 1.5 times more contagious than earlier forms. The intensity of the disease brought on by these subvariants seems to be minimal in spite of these characteristics.
“Most cases remain mild with low hospitalisation rates,” said Dr. Arup Halder, Consultant Pulmonologist at CMRI Hospital, Kolkata. He went on to say that declining immunity, unequal booster coverage, and enhanced detection as a result of better surveillance are the main causes of the increase in infections.
There were 257 current Covid-19 cases in India as of May 19. However, in the past week, there have been 750 additional Covid-19 instances nationwide, including over 100 cases in Delhi and 400 in Kerala. Cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Thane record the highest number of cases, while states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have become hotspots. In light of the growing numbers, Delhi issued warnings to hospitals to guarantee the supply of beds, oxygen, medications, and vaccines.
Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, told news agency, “At the moment, the situation is under control. There is no need to panic.” Existing boosters can still provide effective protection even when India does not yet have access to new variant-specific vaccinations. Dr. Halder claims that these boosters can lower the risk of serious illness by up to 80% and symptomatic infection by 50%.
The expert claims that almost 2.2 billion doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been given in India to date, but booster uptake is still uneven, particularly among vulnerable groups. “Vaccine hesitancy, driven by misinformation and logistical challenges, is a lingering issue,” stated Dr. Halder.
High-risk patients, such as the elderly and those with underlying medical disorders, should have their booster doses as soon as possible, according to experts. “It’s crucial that high-risk individuals get boosted immediately, continue masking in crowded places, and follow basic hygiene practices,” said Dr. Halder.
