Scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research have isolated a sample of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that contains the BF.7 virulent strain amid the rising fear of the fourth COVID wave. The scientists revealed that they will be using this isolated sample to assess the efficacy of vaccines that are currently being used in India.

Dr. N. K. Mehra, a scientist at ICMR, revealed that they are trying to determine whether the currently available vaccines are effective in preventing infections or serious illnesses caused by the new subvariant, BF.7. He explained that although BF.7 is not a newly discovered strain, four cases of its infection have already been reported in India. He also revealed that all four patients were either asymptomatic or had mild symptoms.

Earlier this week, several experts called this strain the grandchildren of the original Omicron variant that led to the third wave in January and February this year. They stated that the mutations in Omicron variants have increased their immune invasiveness. But this strain will not result in an increased rate of hospitalization or death. 

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/india-isolates-bf-7-variant-will-use-it-to-test-efficacy-of-current-vaccines/96592452 )