When the pandemic started more than three years ago, additional variations, an increase in cases, hospitalisations, and even fatalities are being reported from all over the world, albeit they are a far cry from the original worrisome levels. The most recent variant (first discovered in India) is the Omicron recombinant XBB.1.16 after Kappa, Delta, BA.2.75, and BA.2.76.
Although there has been a very slight increase in cases in approximately a dozen States, there hasn’t been a corresponding spike in hospitalisations, not even among susceptible populations, which suggests that clinical severity in infected individuals may not be a cause for alarm. This variation has been increasingly prevalent in the community over the past few weeks, accounting for over 30% of all sequenced genomes this month. Its proportion has been rising. In India, where daily new infections have been at an all-time low for months, testing and genome sequencing have declined significantly; the weekly test positive rate has been around 1%. As a result, it is unclear what the true picture of the variant’s spread is.
In light of this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi instructed officials to enhance whole genome sequencing in order to follow the new variation and any others that may appear and prepare the nation for quick action. It is imperative to continue genome sequencing since the epidemic is far from done, should India fly blindly into a pandemic storm.
India is entirely depending on hybrid immunity resulting from vaccination and natural infection for sustained protection, with the majority of adults and even teenagers having taken their second dose at least a year ago and with just a very tiny proportion choosing a booster. Luckily, even when a few Omicron variations created a rise last year, the estimated 95% of Indians over the age of 12 who have hybrid immunity have been protecting them from serious COVID19 sickness.
In fact, it’s possible that reinfection with any of the variations that appeared after BA.2 might boost the immune system’s defences. Just a tiny portion of the susceptible population is vulnerable because a small number of persons experiencing relapses has perhaps resulted in varied degrees of community immunity. However because people, particularly those from vulnerable groups, face the danger of developing lengthy COVID, it is advisable to take simple measures like wearing a mask in enclosed spaces when novel varieties appear. Although though universal masking in poorly ventilated areas may not be a health priority right now in India, those who belong to susceptible groups can nevertheless take precautions and be proactive.