The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has reported the discovery of 76 cases of COVID-19’s XBB.1.16 variant across eight regions in India.
The regions include Karnataka, Maharashtra, Puducherry, Delhi, Telangana, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Odisha.
This variant was first identified in January 2023, with only two samples testing positive, and by February 59 samples were found.
In March, 15 additional cases were detected. Some experts believe that this variant could be responsible for the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the country.
Dr Randeep Guleria, former AIIMS director and national Covid task force leader, has advised people to follow Covid-appropriate behavior to contain the spread of infection.
Vipin M Vashishtha, a consultant pediatrician, has expressed concern that this variant has been detected in at least 12 countries and that the world should be seriously worried if it could successfully infect the population in India.
On Saturday, India recorded over 800 cases of COVID-19 in a single day after 126 days, and the number of active cases has reached 5,389. (With inputs from PTI)
