Omicron's new variant BA-2 found in India: Confirmed in 16 patients including 4 children in Indore, 530 samples were sent from across the country for testing

The threat of another variant of the virus is looming amidst the Omicron version of Corona wreaking havoc all over the world. This variant has been named BA-2. Omicron's sub-variant BA-2 has knocked in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. 16 people have been found infected in the city with the new strain of Omicron. They also have 6 children. At the same time, 530 samples have been sent from across the country for testing.

Cases have also been reported in the UK, Australia, and Denmark. This variant spreads as fast as Omicron. In such a situation, if it is not identified, it is a big challenge to stop its infection. The matter of concern is that the test kit is not even in its grip. That is why it is being called 'stealth' i.e. hidden version. Each country of Britain, Sweden, and Singapore has sent more than 100 samples for testing.

Where, when did you get the stealth version?

It is not yet clear where the first case of this version was found. According to the British Health Protection Agency, the stealth version was first detected in the UK on 6 December 2021. There its 426 cases have been confirmed. It spreads faster than other variants. It is placed in the Under Investigation category in the UK.

What are the characteristics of the BA-2 variant?

The symptoms of the new variant BA-2 of Corona are similar to those of Omicron. The genetic source that Omicron looks for is missing in BA-2. In this case, this variant can be identified only through genetic sequencing.

How many countries have you reached?

Data is being collected from all countries under the 'Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza' since November 17 last year to identify new variants of Corona. So far, about 40 countries have already sent their data, including India.

How dangerous is this version?

Flahault, director of the University of Geneva, who is researching all the variants of Corona, says that does not panic after hearing its name, but caution is necessary. The new version BA-2 is just as contagious as Omicron. However, till now no information has been received about how dangerous it is.