According to Insacog data, India confirmed its first Omicron’s XBB.1.5 case in December in Gujarat. International researchers have linked an increase in Covid cases and hospitalisations in New York to the subvariant XBB.1.5.
XBB was created by combining the original BA.2 sub-variant of Omicron. However, its descendant, XBB.1.5, is thought to have a tighter bind to the ACE2 receptor, which would account for its increased transmissibility, according to US scientist Eric Topol.
Following the discovery of the first XBB.1.5 case closer to home, Maharashtra state public health authorities are now focusing on preventing the sub-variant from entering the state due to its proximity to Gujarat.
According to Dr. Pradeep Awate, a surveillance officer in Maharashtra, the state is tracking the virus’s genetic traces. It is performing 100% of the genetic sequencing and 2% of all international arrivals are being randomly sampled. Thermal screening is also used for international arrivals. Following that, positive samples are sent for genomic sequencing.
“We have more than 275 cases of XBB in Maharashtra. But XBB.1.5 is another offshoot and little is known about its transmissibility. But being an XBB descendant, it indicates that there is only a minor change in the original version of the sub variant. Still, we are taking necessary precautions to prevent its entry/spread in the state,” said Awate
According to experts, multiple varieties over the last year were all descended from Omicron. However, India should not be concerned unless a completely new variation lineage is discovered. On the other hand, experts advise caution.
In India, nearly 90% of adults have received two doses of a vaccine with 30% receiving booster doses.