COVID-19: Active cases of corona in the country are more than 6400, 163 cases of the new XFG variant; How dangerous is this variant

For the last 20 days, a new wave of corona has been seen in India. The number of infection cases is increasing with each passing day. While the total active cases were 257 on May 22, it has increased to 6491 as per the report shared on the Union Health Ministry's COVID dashboard on June 9 (Monday). In the last 24 hours, 358 new cases of infection have been reported, while 624 people have recovered from the infection.

Omicron and its sub-variants NB.1.8.1 are considered to be the dominant variants in the country. Apart from this, cases of XFG variants are also being reported in many places. According to recent data, 163 cases of the newly emerging COVID-19 variant XFG have been found in the country so far.

Maharashtra has the highest number of XFG cases.

According to data shared by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), 163 cases of this new Covid variant have been reported in the country. Maharashtra has the highest number of cases at 89, followed by Tamil Nadu (16), Kerala (15), Gujarat (11) Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal (six each).

According to the report published in The Lancet journal, the recombinant XFG variant has four new mutations, which are helping it to spread rapidly and infect people. It was first identified in Canada and since then it has been spreading rapidly globally.

Cases of new variants are increasing.

Earlier in May, a total of 159 cases of this variant were reported, while two cases were seen in April. So far, this variant has been confirmed in two samples in June as well. According to the data released by the Union Health Ministry on Monday, the number of active COVID cases in India is about 6500, given that health experts are advising all people to be alert and pay serious attention to the prevention of corona.

How dangerous is the XFG variant?

According to the report published about this new and emerging XFG variant, this variant originated from LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 and has four major spike mutations (His445Arg, Asn487Asp, Gln493Glu, and Thr572Ile). These mutations make it one of the fastest growing variants. At present, it is also not considered to be a more serious or worrisome disease factor like other sub-variants of Omicron. Its nature is highly infectious, so it is important to be alert about prevention.

This variant can be highly contagious.

A study conducted by Chinese experts on this variant has claimed that XFG may be more contagious than the LP.8.1.1 variant along with other variants. It may have the potential to cause rapid spread of corona in the future, which requires vigilance. Cases of this variant are increasing in many other countries including India and America. Its symptoms are also mild like other variants. Elderly people and people suffering from comorbidity may be at risk of serious disease.