WHO tweaks Sars-CoV-2 variant tags, XBB.1.16 a VOI
1 year, 9 months ago

WHO tweaks Sars-CoV-2 variant tags, XBB.1.16 a VOI

Hindustan Times  

The World Health Organization on Thursday said the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron parent lineage of Sars-CoV-2 are considered “previously circulating variants of concern ”, while XBB.1.5 is a variant of interest, as it updated its tracking system and working definitions to better correspond to the current global variant landscape. The Omicron viruses account for over 98% of the publicly available sequences since February 2022 and constitute the genetic background from which new Sars-CoV-2 variants will likely emerge, although the emergence of variants derived from previously circulating VOCs or of completely new variants remains possible. “Based on comparisons of antigenic cross reactivity using animal sera, replication studies in experimental models of the human respiratory tract, and evidence from clinical and epidemiological studies in humans, there is consensus among experts in WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Sars-CoV-2 Virus Evolution that compared to previous variants, Omicron represents the most divergent VOC seen to date,” the WHO said in a statement. Therefore, from March 15, 2023, the WHO variant tracking system will consider the classification of Omicron sub-lineages independently as variants under monitoring, VOIs, or VOCs,” it said.

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History of this topic

Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to exist in community, say public health experts
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to exist in community, say public health experts

The Hindu  

The Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant, one of the mutated version of the virus that causes COVID-19, has been continuously mutating and exists in the community even after over a year. Public health experts have conducted a genomic surveillance of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant and its sub lineages in the State to understand the mutational patterns of the virus between December 2021 and …

As JN.1 emerges as variant of interest, time to evaluate preparedness and effective testing and treatments
1 year ago

As JN.1 emerges as variant of interest, time to evaluate preparedness and effective testing and treatments

The Hindu  

COVID-19 has appeared on the radar again, nearly a year and a half after the world relaxed and watched the progress of the virus from a distance. The World Health Organisation has decided, due to its rapid spread, to classify the variant JN.1 as a separate variant of interest from the parent lineage BA.2.86. The WHO also says that based …

New Covid variant HV.1 is spreading across US states, here are its symptoms
1 year ago

New Covid variant HV.1 is spreading across US states, here are its symptoms

Hindustan Times  

A new COVID variant called HV.1 has been spreading across US states. The CDC added that often mutations enable new variants to sp Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache New loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea What do experts say about …

‘Just like Omicron…’: Why are scientists paying more attention to new Covid variant?
1 year, 4 months ago

‘Just like Omicron…’: Why are scientists paying more attention to new Covid variant?

Hindustan Times  

Is the highly-mutated new variant of coronavirus, BA.2.86, a matter of global concern? NEXU Science Communication/File Photo Much like Omicron, BA.2.86, which is causing spike in Covid cases in the US, UK and other countries, carries numerous changes in its spike protein. According to Nature, several scientists believe that the emergence of this new variant won't create a wave like …

BA.2.86: WHO tracking new Covid variant, highly-muted and detected in 4 countries
1 year, 4 months ago

BA.2.86: WHO tracking new Covid variant, highly-muted and detected in 4 countries

India TV News  

After EG.5 raised concerns about a new Covid outbreak, the World Health Organization has now flagged another sub-variant of Omicron BA.2.86, dubbed BA.X. “WHO has designated Covid-19 variant BA.2.86 as a ‘variant under monitoring’ today due to the large number of mutations it carries,” the global health body wrote in a post on X,” adding that “the number of mutations …

57 cases of new Omicron subvariant detected in China
1 year, 7 months ago

57 cases of new Omicron subvariant detected in China

China Daily  

China has detected 57 COVID-19 cases caused by the new Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16 as of Saturday, a Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention researcher said on Wednesday. Chen said that monitoring data shows that domestic cases are still mainly composed of Omicron's BA.5.2 and BF.7 strains and their sub-lineages, though cases of XBB and its sub-lineages are growing rapidly. …

Arcturus, new subvariant of Omicron causing Covid spike, say doctors
1 year, 8 months ago

Arcturus, new subvariant of Omicron causing Covid spike, say doctors

Deccan Chronicle  

HYDERABAD: Doctors claimed that the new Omega, XBB.1.16 strain named Arcturus may be to blame for the rise in Covid cases across the nation. President of Infection Control Academy of India and public health policy advisor, Dr Ranga Reddy Burri speaking to Deccan Chronicle said, "Whenever we discuss a new variant or a sub-variant that may be the cause of …

Omicron’s latest subvariant dominates with 60% of COVID-19 cases
1 year, 8 months ago

Omicron’s latest subvariant dominates with 60% of COVID-19 cases

Live Mint  

Amid a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases in India, the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium identifies Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16 as the leading variant in India, making up 60% of cases. As per a report by Economic Times, a member of the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium, the laboratory consortium, said that 25-30% of cases are of other sub-lineages of the …

All about XBB.1.16, new Omicron variant behind India's Covid-19 spike, from symptoms to risk factors
1 year, 8 months ago

All about XBB.1.16, new Omicron variant behind India's Covid-19 spike, from symptoms to risk factors

Hindustan Times  

XBB.1.16, the new Omicron variant that is leading to rise in number of Covid-19 cases across the country, especially in Maharashtra has become a cause of concern for people. The subvariant has mutations on the amino acids and nucleotide space that gives it the capacity to escape hybrid immunity achieved by vaccination and previous exposure to the virus," says Dr …

After high coverage of primary COVID vaccination, precautionary dose uptake stands at 27%
1 year, 9 months ago

After high coverage of primary COVID vaccination, precautionary dose uptake stands at 27%

The Hindu  

Despite the high coverage of primary COVID vaccination and second dose, India’s precautionary dose uptake stands at 27%, according to data released by the Union Health Ministry. The Union Health Ministry maintained that at present Omicron and its sub-lineages continue to be the predominant variants with no evidence of an increase in hospitalisation and/or mortality which has been reported. Advisory …

Explained | XBB.1.16, the Omicron recombinant behind India’s new COVID spike
1 year, 9 months ago

Explained | XBB.1.16, the Omicron recombinant behind India’s new COVID spike

The Hindu  

Over the past three years and multiple waves of infection, SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve by accumulating genetic variations. First detected in SARS-CoV-2 sequences from India, the XBB.1.16 is a recombinant lineage of the virus and is a descendent of the XBB lineage. Preliminary data also suggest that XBB.1.16 has a higher growth advantage over currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages, including the …

No new Covid variants emerged during China's recent outbreak: Lancet study
1 year, 10 months ago

No new Covid variants emerged during China's recent outbreak: Lancet study

India TV News  

No new Covid-19 variants have emerged in China during the recent surge in infections since the country ended its zero-Covid policy, according to an analysis of cases in Beijing published in The Lancet. The study suggests two existing Omicron sub-variants, BA.5.2 and BF.7, among the most dominant variants in Beijing during 2022, accounted for more than 90 per cent of …

Omicron variants BA.5.2, BF.7 behind China Covid surge but numbers unreliable, says WHO | 5 points
1 year, 11 months ago

Omicron variants BA.5.2, BF.7 behind China Covid surge but numbers unreliable, says WHO | 5 points

India Today  

Omicron subvariants of the Corona virus - BA.5.2 and BF.7 - are responsible for driving up Covid numbers in China, said the World Health Organisation on Wednesday. It added that the data shows no new variants were found in China but the country is "under-representing" the Covid deaths since cases started surging last month. The WHO's emergencies director, Mike Ryan, …

Can Omicron BF.7 variant cause a new covid wave in India? What experts say
1 year, 11 months ago

Can Omicron BF.7 variant cause a new covid wave in India? What experts say

Live Mint  

The latest covid surge in five other nations, including China, Japan and US has cautioned a question in India as well that can this virulent BF.7 covid variant can cause another wave in India? Nations like China, Japan and the United States of America are seeing a spike in cases, believed to be caused by BF.7, a sub variant of …

What is Covid variant XBB? Is it severe among Indian patients like the previous coronavirus?
1 year, 11 months ago

What is Covid variant XBB? Is it severe among Indian patients like the previous coronavirus?

India TV News  

The XBB subvariant of Covid-19's Omicron variant is fast emerging as the dominant type in India, and now it accounts for more than 18 per cent of cases in the US as well. According to the WHO, XBB is a recombined subvariant, a sub-lineage of the Omicron variants BA.2.10.1 and BA.2.75 which means it is a subvariant of the Covid-19 …

Understanding Omicron BF.7, The New Covid-19 Variant From China, And How India Should Prepare
1 year, 11 months ago

Understanding Omicron BF.7, The New Covid-19 Variant From China, And How India Should Prepare

ABP News  

The Covid-19 pandemic is dragging on too long, and there is still no respite in sight. Coronaviruses And Variants The original virus that first emerged from Wuhan in China is termed SARS CoV-2 and is a strain of the coronavirus that causes Covid-19. The original virus and viral mutations and variants are routinely monitored through sequence-based surveillance, laboratory studies, and …

Doctors: Ignore all Covid \'news\' on social media
1 year, 11 months ago

Doctors: Ignore all Covid \'news\' on social media

Deccan Chronicle  

HYDERABAD: Several fake and misleading pieces of information regarding Covid-19 pandemic have been making their way to people’s social media handles for over a week now. The messages started after an alert was issued in the country following a rise in Covid cases in China, South Korea, Japan, Brazil and the United States. Such messages had been rampant even during …

Explained | The emerging Omicron sublineages across the world
1 year, 11 months ago

Explained | The emerging Omicron sublineages across the world

The Hindu  

The story so far: Since the initial outbreak in 2019 in Wuhan, China, the world has seen multiple repeated waves of COVID-19 infections over the past few years, largely driven by the emerging variants of concern of the causative virus, SARS-CoV-2. These belong to 14 different lineages of SARS-CoV-2, all of which are Omicron sublineages, including BA.5.2, BQ.1.1, BF.7, BF.5, …

Covid-19 Omicron sub-variant BF.7 won't lead to severe disease, expert's report
2 years ago

Covid-19 Omicron sub-variant BF.7 won't lead to severe disease, expert's report

India TV News  

The current Covid surge in many countries including China is believed to be driven by Omicron sub-variant BF.7. The BF.7 is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant BA.5, which, Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Co-chairman, the National IMA Covid taskforce, calls 'great-grandson of Omicron'. Giving credit to high vaccination coverage and naturally acquired immunity among those who survived past Covid-19 infection, Dr …

With detection of Omicron sub-variant in India, medical experts sound an alarm, insist on adhering to COVID-19 protocols
2 years ago

With detection of Omicron sub-variant in India, medical experts sound an alarm, insist on adhering to COVID-19 protocols

The Hindu  

Going by the media reports on the COVID-19 situation in China, Japan and the U.S., the situation once again looks grim, and it appears that the world is heading back to square one. With reports on detection of three cases of Omicron sub-variant — two in Gujarat and one in Odisha, it is even more pertinent that we go back …

Omicron subvariant BF.7 behind China Covid spike already existed in India. Do we need to be scared?
2 years ago

Omicron subvariant BF.7 behind China Covid spike already existed in India. Do we need to be scared?

Firstpost  

BF.7, the sub-variant of Omicron, is said to be highly contagious, more immunologically evasive and therefore, has a greater transmissibility New Delhi: Omicron BF.7 is currently the dominant variant of Covid in China that is making people fall sick, overwhelming hospitals and piling up bodies in morgues. Dr Madhavi Joshi, senior scientist at Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, which detected the …

After a year, omicron still driving COVID surges and worries
2 years ago

After a year, omicron still driving COVID surges and worries

Associated Press  

A year after omicron began its assault on humanity, the ever-morphing coronavirus mutant drove COVID-19 case counts higher in many places just as Americans gathered for Thanksgiving. “It’s making a clear comeback.” Nationally, new COVID cases averaged around 39,300 a day as of Tuesday — far lower than last winter but a vast undercount because of reduced testing and reporting. …

Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 can evade immunity provided by vaccines: ICMR study
2 years, 1 month ago

Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 can evade immunity provided by vaccines: ICMR study

The Hindu  

Omicron, a variant of SARS-CoV-2, can evade immunity provided by vaccines, states a new study published by the Indian Council of Medical Research. Titled ‘Omicron BA.2 lineage predominance in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive cases during the third wave in North India’, the study was published on November 2 in Frontiers in Medicine, a peer-reviewed open access medical …

Latest symptoms of new Omicron variants last for weeks, says expert; know what they are
2 years, 1 month ago

Latest symptoms of new Omicron variants last for weeks, says expert; know what they are

Hindustan Times  

A series of highly-infectious new Omicron sub-variants are spreading fast across the country stoking fear of a fresh Coronavirus wave in India. Coronavirus seems to have evolved over the period of time and the symptoms of new Omicron subvariants are slightly different from the original Omicron. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium recently noted that Indian patients infected with Omicron sub-lineage …

New Omicron Variants Not Causing Significant Rise in Hospitalisations, Say Experts
2 years, 1 month ago

New Omicron Variants Not Causing Significant Rise in Hospitalisations, Say Experts

News 18  

The new variants of Omicron, XXB and BQ.1, have not led to any significant rise in coronavirus infections and hospitalisations in Maharashtra, experts have said. Dr Anita Mathew, Infectious Disease Specialist at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, said many of the new patients are asymptomatic. The department had also cautioned that coronavirus cases could rise during winter and the festive season, citing …

UK Flags Mutant Omicron Strains BQ.1 and XBB as New Variants with Over 700 Confirmed Cases
2 years, 1 month ago

UK Flags Mutant Omicron Strains BQ.1 and XBB as New Variants with Over 700 Confirmed Cases

News 18  

Health authorities in the United Kingdom on Friday designated two Omicron sub-lineages as new coronavirus variants. The UK Health Security Agency said it’s studying the BQ.1 and XBB sub-lineages of Omicron variant. “It is not unexpected to see new variants of SARS-CoV-2 emerge,” said Meera Chand, the UKHSA’s director of clinical and emerging infection, in a statement. XBB and BQ.1 …

Omicron BA.2 less severe than its original and Delta variants : Study
2 years, 1 month ago

Omicron BA.2 less severe than its original and Delta variants : Study

India Today  

The Omicron BA.2 subvariant is less severe than the Delta variant and to an even greater extent than the original Omicron variant, according to a research team led by investigators at the US-based Massachusetts General Hospital. Of 1,02,315 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the US from March 3, 2020 to June 20 this year, there were 20,770 labelled as Delta variants, …

Omicron variant continues to be dominant as India reports 1,994 fresh Covid cases | Top points
2 years, 2 months ago

Omicron variant continues to be dominant as India reports 1,994 fresh Covid cases | Top points

India Today  

As the Omicron and its sub-lineages continue to be the dominant variant in the country, India's Covid-19 tally climbed to 4,46,42,742 with 1,994 fresh cases, while the number of active cases of the infection declined to 23,432. The active cases account for 0.05 per cent of the total caseload, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate has increased to 98.76 per …

New Omicron sublineages, recombinants cause cases to spike
2 years, 2 months ago

New Omicron sublineages, recombinants cause cases to spike

The Hindu  

Genetic mutations are the drivers of evolution of organisms. What is XBB lineage While Europe and North America are currently seeing an emergence of Omicron variants, especially BQ.1 and its sublineages, a recombinant lineage XBB has been emerging in Asia. While more research will be needed to conclusively assess the growth advantage of XBB lineage, initial data suggest that the …

New Omicron subvariant expected to drive Covid wave in Europe
2 years, 2 months ago

New Omicron subvariant expected to drive Covid wave in Europe

Hindustan Times  

A new omicron subvariant is poised to become dominant in Europe and will probably drive another increase in Covid-19 cases, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said. Representational image The BQ.1 subvariant, and its sublineage BQ.1.1, will probably dominate in Europe by mid-November to the beginning of December and help send cases up in “coming weeks to months,” …

Ex-AIIMS boss cautions against new Omicron variants, says situation is different
2 years, 2 months ago

Ex-AIIMS boss cautions against new Omicron variants, says situation is different

Hindustan Times  

A senior health expert has appealed for caution in the wake of the emergence of sub-variants of the fast-spreading Omicron strain of the coronavirus disease. Besides the advisory on masks, Guleria urged high-risk groups and elderly people to avoid going out due to the risk of the spread of the infection. Maharashtra has also reported India's first case of XBB …

Covid-19: Here’s all we know about Omicron variants and their spread in India
2 years, 2 months ago

Covid-19: Here’s all we know about Omicron variants and their spread in India

Hindustan Times  

India on Tuesday reported its first case of BQ.1 of Covid-19 – one of Omicron's sub-variants. Here is the list of Omicron variants and subvariants said to be spreading across the country: BQ.1: India’s first case of Omicron subvariant BQ.1 was detected during genome sequencing of a Pune resident’s sample, the Maharashtra health department said, adding that high-risk patients should …

Omicron sub-variants BA.5.1.7, BF.7 signals to be cautious: Experts
2 years, 2 months ago

Omicron sub-variants BA.5.1.7, BF.7 signals to be cautious: Experts

Live Mint  

The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics is likely to issue a bulletin regarding Omicron's new sub-variants BA.5.1.7 and BF.7 ever since the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre detected the first case of the Omicron sub-variant in India. Two highly contagious subvariants of Omicron -- BF.7 and BA.5.1.7 – with greater transmissibility were found in several provinces of China. The World Health …

Omicron BF.7 in India; experts on symptoms of new Covid variant, possibility of fresh wave in Diwali
2 years, 2 months ago

Omicron BF.7 in India; experts on symptoms of new Covid variant, possibility of fresh wave in Diwali

Hindustan Times  

Omicron's new sub-variants BA.5.1.7 and BF.7, said to be highly infectious and having greater transmissibility after emerging from a region of Mongolia in China are now making their way to other parts of the world and driving a fresh wave of Covid infections. Here's all you want to know about the new variants BA.5.1.7 and BF.7 which are also being …

New Covid variant alert: Meet omicron’s newest cousin, BF.7
2 years, 2 months ago

New Covid variant alert: Meet omicron’s newest cousin, BF.7

Live Mint  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued a warning on COVID-19, which is continuously evolving and collecting mutations in its genetic code over time. The new variation has been given the abbreviation BF.7, also known as BA.5.2.1.7, and is the result of the virus' ongoing evolution to become more immunologically evasive. The new variation known as the "Omicron …

Here’s What To Know About The Latest Omicron Subvariants
2 years, 2 months ago

Here’s What To Know About The Latest Omicron Subvariants

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING The news of an emerging COVID-19 variant or subvariant is alarming — and rightfully so. In fact, according to Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine in the department of health policy at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, “the World Health Organization has a worldwide surveillance mechanism underway that keeps looking for new strains of and new …

Why new ‘highly infectious’ Omicron strains are China's new Covid challenge
2 years, 2 months ago

Why new ‘highly infectious’ Omicron strains are China's new Covid challenge

Hindustan Times  

New Omicron sub-variants BF.7 and BA.5.1.7 have been detected in China amid the latest Covid uptick in the country. China reported 1,878 cases on Sunday, the highest since August 20, as the week-long National Day holiday saw cases flare among returning travelers. BF.7 subvariant which was first detected in northwest China spread to more Chinese provinces on Monday, reported Global …

Omicron infections provide protection against new COVID-19 variants, says study
2 years, 3 months ago

Omicron infections provide protection against new COVID-19 variants, says study

India TV News  

Vaccinated people who were infected by the earlier Omicron subvariants have four times greater protection than vaccinated people who were not infected against the new variants like BA.5, finds a new study. The study indicates that previous infection in vaccinated people continues to confer immunity for the variants that are known for their ability to evade the immune response. "Vaccinated …

Covid 19: Omicron, its sub-lineages circulating predominantly in India, say sources
2 years, 4 months ago

Covid 19: Omicron, its sub-lineages circulating predominantly in India, say sources

India TV News  

Highlights Omicron and its sub-lineages are the predominant mutations that are circulating in India. Covid 19 cases: Omicron and its sub-lineages are the predominant mutations that are circulating in India, revealed a report released by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium after it reviewed data on genomic surveillance of variants. "Presently, only Omicron and its sub-lineages are the predominant circulating variants …

How Omicron's BA.5 became a master of disguise, and what it means for COVID-19 surge
2 years, 4 months ago

How Omicron's BA.5 became a master of disguise, and what it means for COVID-19 surge

Firstpost  

BA.5 will not be the endgame. As the virus continues to circulate, this evolutionary trend will likely lead to the emergence of more transmissible variants that are capable of immune escape The omicron subvariant known as BA.5 was first detected in South Africa in February 2022 and spread rapidly throughout the world. Soon after researchers in South Africa reported the …

New coronavirus mutant raises concerns in India and beyond
2 years, 5 months ago

New coronavirus mutant raises concerns in India and beyond

India Today  

The quickly changing coronavirus has spawned yet another super contagious omicron mutant that’s worrying scientists as it gains ground in India and pops up in numerous other countries, including the United States. “It’s still really early on for us to draw too many conclusions,” said Matthew Binnicker, director of clinical virology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Still, the …

New coronavirus mutant raises concerns in India and beyond
2 years, 5 months ago

New coronavirus mutant raises concerns in India and beyond

Associated Press  

The quickly changing coronavirus has spawned yet another super contagious omicron mutant that’s worrying scientists as it gains ground in India and pops up in numerous other countries, including the United States. “It’s still really early on for us to draw too many conclusions,” said Matthew Binnicker, director of clinical virology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Still, the …

Yet another highly infectious Omicron variant is raising concerns in India and beyond
2 years, 5 months ago

Yet another highly infectious Omicron variant is raising concerns in India and beyond

LA Times  

The quickly changing coronavirus has spawned yet another super-contagious Omicron mutant that’s worrying scientists as it gains ground in India and pops up in numerous other countries, including the United States. “It’s still really early on for us to draw too many conclusions,” said Matthew Binnicker, director of clinical virology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. “But it does …

Too early to fully understand the nature and severity of BA.2.75: experts
2 years, 5 months ago

Too early to fully understand the nature and severity of BA.2.75: experts

The Hindu  

Top scientists and doctors in India said on Thursday that it’s too early to understand the nature and severity of the new sub-variant of Omicron — BA.2.75 — reported in the country. “About this new variant — so far there is no data available, except the increasing COVID numbers, which makes it difficult to arrive at any conclusion about the …

Data | Omicron variant BA.2 and its sub-lineages responsible for latest COVID-19 surge
2 years, 5 months ago

Data | Omicron variant BA.2 and its sub-lineages responsible for latest COVID-19 surge

The Hindu  

In at least 93 nations, the average number of new COVID-19 cases is rising. The U.S. is leading the list with the seven-day average of new cases nearly touching 1.2 lakh cases as of July 1, a 12% increase from a fortnight ago. In Germany, for instance, 88,788 average new cases were reported on July 1, a 55% increase from …

Can new Omicron subvariants evade vaccine immunity?
2 years, 5 months ago

Can new Omicron subvariants evade vaccine immunity?

Al Jazeera  

Dr Khan on why COVID cases are rising and what we know about how past infections and vaccines interact with Omicron BA.4 and BA.5. The uptick in new COVID cases and hospital admissions is thought to be driven largely by new subvariants of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, known as BA.4 and BA.5. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and …

First cases of new Omicron sub-variants detected in Maharashtra, 7 positive
2 years, 6 months ago

First cases of new Omicron sub-variants detected in Maharashtra, 7 positive

India Today  

In a first, four patients have tested positive for the B.A.4 sub-lineage and three people tested positive for the B.A.5 sub-variant of the Omicron variant of coronavirus in Maharashtra, the state health department said on Saturday. However, a senior health department official said these are mild sub-lineages and there is no cause for concern. As many as seven patients, all …

Dominant coronavirus mutant contains ghost of pandemic past
2 years, 6 months ago

Dominant coronavirus mutant contains ghost of pandemic past

Associated Press  

The coronavirus mutant that is now dominant in the United States is a member of the omicron family but scientists say it spreads faster than its omicron predecessors, is adept at escaping immunity and might possibly cause more serious disease. A genetic trait that harkens back to the pandemic’s past, known as a “delta mutation,” appears to allow the virus …

The Omicron subvariant spreading across the U.S. shares an ominous trait with Delta
2 years, 6 months ago

The Omicron subvariant spreading across the U.S. shares an ominous trait with Delta

LA Times  

Coronavirus particles are seen under a microscope. A genetic trait that harks back to the pandemic’s past, known as a Delta mutation, appears to allow the virus “to escape preexisting immunity from vaccination and prior infection, especially if you were infected in the Omicron wave,” said Dr. Wesley Long, a pathologist at Houston Methodist in Texas. The Omicron subvariant gaining …

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