Covid 19: Three cases of Omicron Subvariant BF.7 has surfaced in India, is India taking steps to avoid further spread?
So far, three cases of Omicron subvariant BF.7 have been identified in India. According to PTI, two cases have been reported in Gujarat and one in Odisha so far.
This comes amid an increase in COVID-19 cases in China.
The first Omicron subvariant BF.7 was discovered in Gujarat in October by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre.
Experts claimed at a Covid review meeting attended by ministers that, while there has been no increase in Covid 19 cases in India as of yet, tight surveillance is required to track existing or emerging virus variants.
According to officials, the majority of cases reported in China are of subvariant BF.7. They also stated that the variant is significantly contributing to the cases in Beijing and other cities.
They said, “The BF.7’s high transmissibility in China might be attributed to a low level of immunity in the Chinese population from the previous infection and possibly vaccination too.”
In a letter to all states, Health Ministry Secretary Rajesh Bhushan urged them to increase genome sequencing of positive case samples.
#BIGBREAKING | भारत में कोरोना का BF-7 वैरिएंट मिला #China #Covid19 #CoronaVirus pic.twitter.com/xTdafskweK
— AajTak (@aajtak) December 21, 2022
The letter read, “ln view of the sudden spurt of cases being witnessed in Japan, United States of America, Republic of Korea, Brazil and China, it is essential to gear up the whole genome sequencing of positive case samples to track the variants through…INSACOG network.”
“Such an exercise will enable timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country and will facilitate the undertaking of requisite public health measures for the same,” Bhushan said.
The variant has already been identified in Germany, Denmark, Belgium, and France, according to reports.
BF.7 is a sub-lineage of Omicron variant BA.5 and has been designated as the most powerful, being easily transmissible and capable of causing infection.
China hit by Covid 19 Omicron strain
According to official sources, Chinese cities are currently being infected with the highly transmissible Omicron strain, primarily BF.7, which is the main variant spreading in Beijing and contributing to a larger surge of Covid infections in that country.
“The BF.7’s high transmissibility in China may be attributed to the Chinese population’s low level of immunity from previous infection and possibly vaccination,” an official source said.
⚠️THERMONUCLEAR BAD—Hospitals completely overwhelmed in China ever since restrictions dropped. Epidemiologist estimate >60% of 🇨🇳 & 10% of Earth’s population likely infected over next 90 days. Deaths likely in the millions—plural. This is just the start—🧵pic.twitter.com/VAEvF0ALg9
— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) December 19, 2022
BF.7 is highly transmissible, say experts
BF.7 is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant BA.5, and it has the most infectious ability because it is highly transmissible, has a shorter incubation period, and has a greater capacity to cause reinfection or infect even those who have been vaccinated. It has already been discovered in several other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and European countries such as Belgium, Germany, France, and Denmark.
Covid 19 not over yet, warns Health Minister
In light of a surge in COVID 19 cases in China and other countries, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya reviewed the situation in the country on Wednesday and urged people to practise COVID-appropriate behaviour, such as wearing masks in crowded places and getting vaccinated. “COVID is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance. We are prepared to manage any situation “Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Health Minister, stated.
The minister was briefed on the global COVID-19 situation and the domestic scenario, including the preparedness of all stakeholders, during the meeting, which was attended by experts and senior officials.
Noting that only 27-28 percent of India’s eligible population has received the COVID-19 precaution dose, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul stated after the meeting that people should get the vaccine and wear masks in crowded places.
Paul urged people not to panic and stated that the guidelines for international air travel had not changed so far.
What do you think of the situation in the rise of Covid 19 cases in China and how it may affect India?
