Omicron sub-variant BA.2’s offspring, sub-sub-variant BA.2.38 has been identified as the cause of spiking COVID cases in Maharashtra and other parts of India. However, a clinical study among 116 patients found that the infection is self-limiting and almost comparable to the common cold. Pune-based Doctors carried out the study and assessment of all the related symptoms and illness patterns caused by BA.2.38 infected patients in a state-run tertiary care referral unit of BJ Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital.

Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte, the Lead Investigator, stated that 73% of patients infected with this variant had developed fever (11%), cough(23%), body ache(17%), sore throat(15%), headache(13%), and symptoms mimicking common cold illness. Also, 10% of the patients experienced gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea along with vomiting (2%) and stomach ache (1%). 

Dr. Sanjay Pujari, ICMR, National COVID Task Force, stated that the interpretation of the study is limited due to a small sample size along with no comparison with other circulating variants. This makes it difficult to conclude whether BA.2.38 behaves differently as compared to other circulating variants. However, the self-limiting nature of the illness can be an indication of the endemicity of SARS-CoV-2.

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/ba-2-38-causing-just-mild-illness-study/92348403 )