A new sub-strain of Covid-19 omicron has been detected in 13 states and Union Territories in India, raising concerns. A total of 234 cases of the XBB 1.16.1 have been detected within a span of 24 hours, with high prevalence in Delhi, Gujrat and Haryana. According to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genome Consortium (INSACOG), 1,774 cases of the omicron XBB 1.16 have also been detected in 22 states. With new infections at 5,676, active cases have risen to 37,093 according to the data provided by the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday.
The death count has also seen a rise to 5,31,000 with 21 new deaths. Experts are very concerned by the fact that the new sub-variant is capable of by passing the immune system. What complicates matters further is the fact that it is prevalent in previously vaccinated individuals as well. This has left the populace with no defense towards the new variant. Experts have also made it clear that the next 4 weeks are of the utmost importance. Since the new strain is highly virulent, especially in comparison to ones that were seen in the 3rd and the 4th wave, the next few weeks are seen as crucial in the fight against it.
Pediatricians are also worried because the variant has managed to infect children and adults at very similar rates. Unlike the previous strains which were far less infectious in children, XBB 1.16.1 could affect children at an alarming rate. XBB 1.16.1 also promotes adenovirus and influenza which can further complicate its control and stress the medical system of the nation. Conjunctivitis (red, sticky infection of the eyes) is a new symptom that this strain shows. Apart from that, symptoms include high fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, body ache and gastrointestinal complications.
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How the country’s medical faculties will tackle this new strain is yet to be seen. With a laundry list of serious issues attached to this strain, its spread and its efficacy, authorities are likely to take measure to limit it as much as possible before it initiates another wave.