Scientists said on Monday that the Omicron subvariant XBB had already undergone many changes and divided into fitter strains. India reported 71 confirmed cases of XBB-driven Covid infection as of October. The number of cases was 235 on Monday.

According to Indian researchers, the majority of infections from are being caused by the fitter strain XBB.3, followed by XBB.2 (21%), XBB (11%) and XBB.1.1 (.4%). A senior scientist from Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) confirmed that the XBB.3 strain is currently leading the strain causing most infections in India.

Asia-Pacific nations, including Singapore, are closely monitoring XBB strain, which was initially detected in August and is one of the most immune-evasive SARS-CoV-2 variants to date. But unlike Singapores trend, India has not yet experienced a significant increase in infections. Authorities have nevertheless advised caution. The health department in Maharashtra has issued a warning that an XBB-led surge may peak by mid-November.

The national Covid task team member Dr. Sanjay Pujari stated that the genetic surveillance must continue. XBB sublineages now possess substantial immune-evasion abilities. Except for the elderly, people with comorbid conditions, and people who are immunocompromised, the populations "immunity wall" may still be successful in preventing severe COVID. It is essential to investigate how these subvariants affect the severity of the infection and to increase booster uptake, at least among those at higher risk.

(Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshowprint/95070064.cms)