Latest news with #LF.7.9
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
XFG dominant strain, multiple Omicron subvariants spreading in Maharashtra, reveals genome study
Pune: Multiple emerging Covid-19 strains — all Omicron subvariants — were spreading across the state, Maharashtra's genome sequencing surveillance revealed. The latest sequencing data from 184 samples across 10 districts showed XFG as the currently dominant variant with 84 cases. It was followed by 38 unassigned variants, 34 LF.7.9 cases, 27 JN.1 cases and one NB.1.8.1 case detected in Pune. Nine samples from Mumbai were detected with the XFG subvariant, while three others with LF. 7.9. The NB.1.8.1, identified in a 29-year-old woman from Pune, showed high ACE2 affinity and immune evasion, hinting at the variant's potential to dominate future surges as per recent studies. ACE2 acts as a receptor for the spike protein of coronaviruses, allowing the virus to enter host cells. XFG, dominating in Maharashtra, and LF.7.9 are noted for their strong immune escape because of specific mutations, though their lower receptor-binding efficiency may require further adaptations. Dr Rajesh Karyakarte, Maharashtra's genome sequencing coordinator, BJ Medical College, told TOI, "After NB.1.8.1 was identified in Hong Kong as causing a surge in Covid cases, we at BJGMC, Pune, and NIV, Pune, parallelly started sequencing RT-PCR positive Covid-19 samples for the presence of this SARS-CoV-2 variant. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esse novo alarme com câmera é quase gratuito em Eugenópolis (consulte o preço) Alarmes Undo CSIR-NCL, Pune's study also showed a spike in SARS-CoV-2 signals. Our findings after whole genome sequencing (WGS) revealed XFG to be the most dominant variant in the state, which wasn't a dominant global variant at that time around the world. We also identified LF.7.9 as another major variant in tested samples." Dr Karyakarte said, "The numbers confirm that XFG drove the current surge and not NB.1.8.1 (labelled Variant Under Monitoring [VUM] by WHO). After studying the sequences uploaded on WHO recommended GISAID database, it is clear that NB.1.8.1 is more common in Southeast Asia, while XFG prevails in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh — possibly because of immunity factors. Recently, XFG has also been rising in the US." Dr Ameet Dravid, infectious disease expert, Noble Hospital, said, "XFG is merely an Omicron sub-variant, similar to those in circulation during the third wave in 2022. Thanks to immunity built from previous infections, we're seeing very few severe cases this time. XFG is highly transmissible because of mutations that allow it to spread easily from person to person, leading to many upper respiratory tract infections. Its capacity to damage lungs or cause complications is minimal. So, patients with these symptoms are recovering well with outpatient treatment." Dr Dravid said, "Only a tiny fraction requires admission for pneumonia or ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome), the complications we saw in the first three waves. The damage has been limited despite low vaccination rates and waning vaccine-induced immunity over the last three years. We're relieved there hasn't been a significant surge in Covid admissions. While cases are increasing, most are mild, and improving with symptomatic care like nasal decongestants, cough suppressants and paracetamol for fever or body aches. " Hospitals in the city reported a noticeable uptick in Covid cases this week compared to previous weeks. Daily or alternate-day deaths, mostly among those with pre-existing conditions, have been recorded. The state health data indicated 31 fatalities since January this year — as many as 30 linked to comorbidities and one to another illness. Infectious disease specialists said this trend mirrored past surges. Individuals with underlying health issues remain vulnerable as infections rise. Dr Piyush Chaudhary, infectious disease specialist, Jehangir Hospital, said, "This variant (XFG) appears mild, but even mild strains can lead to some mortality, especially if the number of cases is high. The elderly or those with comorbidities may experience severe outcomes. We also haven't seen worsening severity — patients in ICU were there because of other medical conditions, not Covid itself. We must determine if Covid contributed to deaths or if underlying comorbidities were the primary cause. Currently, it seems, comorbidities, not Covid, are driving severe cases this season. Case numbers are definitely rising, though many with mild symptoms aren't testing. Among those tested, the positivity rate has increased proportionally."
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
XFG Covid strain enters Telangana, cases still mild
1 2 Hyderabad: As concerns grow about rising Covid-19 cases in the country, for the first time, one of the samples sent by Telangana health officials for genome sequencing has been found to carry a new Covid-19 sub-variant called XFG. This was revealed by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), the central body that tracks changes in the virus. Of the five samples sent from Telangana, four — two men and two women — showed another recent sub-variant called LF.7.9, while the XFG strain was detected in a sample from one man. Dr Kiran Madala, co-chairman of the public relations and social media committee of IMA Telangana and a Covid-19 researcher, confirmed to TOI that both variants were detected in Telangana and the sequences were uploaded on INSACOG's portal. Both XFG and LF.7.9 are sub-lineages of Omicron and trace their origin to the JN.1 variant, which led to a global wave in late 2023 and early 2024. Nationally, these two sub-variants are among the most common at present. As per INSACOG data till Monday, 172 samples were identified as XFG, 82 as LF.7.9, followed by 35 XFJ and 18 others. Telangana has now joined Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal, where the XFG variant has already been detected. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thị trường có dấu hiệu suy thoái không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Across India, around 163 cases of XFG have been recorded so far, as per INSACOG. The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently tracking eight sub-variants globally, including NB.1.8.1, which is prevalent in Singapore. "There are ongoing studies on the transmissibility and impact of XFG, LF.7.9, and XFJ. So far, they appear mild. WHO hasn't issued any special advisory on them yet," said Dr Kiran Madala, who is also a professor at Gandhi Medical College. "Covid-19 has become endemic and is not severe in most cases," he added. While the majority of cases remain mild, experts advise caution for vulnerable groups. "According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) data, 66% of current respiratory viral infections in India are Covid-related. However, hospitalisation is low, including in Telangana. People with two or more comorbidities, weakened immunity, or above 70 years should remain alert," he said. Telangana currently has nine active Covid cases, down from 10 a day earlier, according to the Union health ministry dashboard. "There's no reason to panic," said Dr Ravinder Nayak, director of public health and family welfare. "The new sub-variants are part of the virus's natural evolution and are not showing significant clinical symptoms."
India.com
04-06-2025
- General
- India.com
Gujarat Covid Surge: 451 Active Cases, Omicron LF.7.9 & XFG Variants Drive Rise In 2025
Gujarat is witnessing a renewed uptick in Covid-19 cases, with 451 active cases reported across the state as of Tuesday, according to the health department. Of the total active cases, 20 patients are currently hospitalised, while 431 are under home isolation. So far, 43 individuals have recovered and been discharged. The official death toll has reached seven. Health officials have identified the Omicron sub-variants LF.7.9 and XFG Recombinant as the primary drivers of the new infections. Most patients are exhibiting mild symptoms, including low-grade fever, cold, and cough. Authorities have advised individuals recovering at home to closely monitor their symptoms and seek immediate medical help if they experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or any other severe discomfort. People with underlying health conditions or compromised immunity are strongly advised to avoid crowded areas and wear masks when stepping out. Medical experts have attributed the rise in infections to the cyclical nature of the virus, noting that Covid-19 case surges are commonly observed every six to eight months. The experts have urged the public to remain vigilant but stressed that there is 'no need to panic'. Ahmedabad remains a hotspot in this wave, recording 50 new cases in a single day. The city also reported its second consecutive Covid-related fatality on Monday — an 18-year-old pregnant woman from Vinzol succumbed during treatment. Previously, a 47-year-old woman died at L G Hospital in the city. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge residents to adhere to precautionary measures to curb further transmission. In response to the recent surge in Covid-19 cases, the Gujarat government has stepped up its preparedness across districts. Health department officials have been instructed to increase surveillance and testing, particularly in urban hotspots like Ahmedabad. Isolation protocols have been reinforced, and hospitals have been asked to keep dedicated Covid-19 beds and oxygen supplies ready. The state has also resumed daily health briefings to monitor the spread of infections closely. District health officers have been directed to trace contacts of positive patients and ensure home-isolated individuals are regularly followed up by health workers. Awareness campaigns are being relaunched in both urban and rural areas to remind citizens about hygiene, masking in crowded places, and the importance of early medical intervention. Additionally, authorities are reviewing vaccination records and encouraging eligible individuals to get booster doses where applicable.
New Indian Express
31-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
LF.7.9, XFG sub-variants of SARS-CoV2 detected in Odisha as cases surge
BHUBANESWAR: Amid growing concern over a fresh surge in Covid-19 cases and deaths in the country, Odisha has detected two of the latest SARS-CoV2 sub-variants raising fresh public health alerts, especially during the monsoon that sees spurt in flu cases. Of the five samples sequenced so far in May, sources at the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) said, the state has recorded two cases of LF.7.9 cases and three cases of XFG, both descendants of Omicron, which had led to long Covid waves in 2020-22 killing millions of people. The two sub-lineages, now fuelling cases in the country, are specifically traced back to JN.1, the variant behind global waves in late 2023 and early 2024. Odisha is among the first few states which have detected the new strain XFG. While the LF.7 is now under observation along with two others - NB.1.9.1 and PL.8.1 by the WHO as variants-under-monitoring, the studies are underway to determine the transmissibility and potential impact of XFG. 'Though these variants do not appear to be causing severe disease so far, they are marked by higher transmissibility and immune evasion capabilities. Their spike protein mutations may enhance their ability to bind to human lung cells. But vaccine-induced protection against symptomatic and severe disease will remain effective,' a scientist associated with the genome sequencing told TNIE.
