Hyderabad: The first confirmed case of the BA4 Omicron variant in India has been reported from Hyderabad, according to the recent data available with the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), the group of genetic laboratories that are working to identify new variants of SARS-CoV-2 from Indian Covid positive patients.
The BA4 Omicron variant was identified by geneticists from the sample of a Covid positive individual in Hyderabad, which was collected on May 9. Since January, the BA4 and BA5 variants of Omicron have been associated with the fifth Covid wave in South Africa, a fresh wave of infections in the US and Europe. This is first the first time that the BA4 variant of Omicron has been reported in India.
On May 12, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDPC), which strengthens Europe’s defences against infectious disease, declared BA4 and BA5 Omicron variants as Variants of Concern (VoC).
Advertisements
“For these variants, clear evidence is available indicating a significant impact on transmissibility, severity and/or immunity that is likely to have an impact on the epidemiological situation in the EU/EEA,” the ECDPC, referring to BA.4 and BA.5, said.
The BA 4 and BA 5 variants of Omicron were first reported by South African health officials in January and February, respectively. Since then, both the variants have been largely responsible for triggering a fresh wave of Covid surges in South Africa, the US, the United Kingdom, and countries in Europe including Germany, Denmark etc.
Based on the reports from research institutions, the BA4 and BA5 sub-variants are quite different from the original version of the Omicron due to which they have the ability to evade immunity generated from the previous infection.
Advertisements
The new Omicron variants (BA4 and BA5) have replaced the BA2 variant of the Omicron, which was the active circulating virus in many countries.
At present, the BA2 variant is the dominant strain in Telangana and other Indian States. Senior health officials here have said that the impact of the BA4 variant could be only felt in a couple of weeks when they will be able to understand its growth advantage when compared to the BA2 variant of the Omicron.
Next Story:
-
BRS Leaders Held Protest Over CM Revanth’s Comments On BRS Women Leaders
BRS leaders staged protest condemning the objectionable comments made by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy against senior women BRS leaders P Sabitha Indra Reddy and V Sunitha Lakshma Reddy.
-
Strict Action Against People Who Collect Parking Fees Against Rules: GHMC Commissioner
GHMC Commissioner Amrapali Kata said that action has been taken against the malls and multiplexes that are charging parking fees contrary to the rules within the GHMC.
-
Osmania University Rescheduled Telangana SET
Osmania University on Thursday rescheduled the Telangana State Eligibility Test (TG SET), which will now be conducted from September 10 to 13.
-
Heavy Rains Warning In Telangana
The Indian Meteorological Department, (IMD) Hyderabad Center has warned that heavy rains will occur in many districts of Telangana state.
-
Four People Involved In Dacoity Offence Arrested
Maidardevpally and CCS Rajendra Nagar teams proceeded and apprehended the four offenders at Sasthripuram at Sasthripuram namely 1. Aqeel, 2. Adnan, 3. Mohd Saif, 4. Moshin
Now you can get latest stories from Hydnow everyday. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Hydnow Facebook page and Twitter and on Instagram
Advertisements