NEW DELHI: India has identified one case of the emerging Covid-19 variant NB.1.8.1 and four cases of the LF.7 variant, according to Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) data. WHO currently categorises both LF.7 and NB.1.8 subvariants as 'Variants Under Monitoring' as of May 2025. These variants are reportedly causing increased Covid cases in China and other Asian regions, according to PTI report.
The INSACOG reported that Tamil Nadu identified one NB.1.8.1 case in April, while Gujarat detected four LF.7 cases in May.
The JN.1 variant remains predominant in India, representing 53 per cent of tested samples, with BA.2 at 26 per cent and other Omicron sublineages at 20 per cent.
WHO's initial risk assessment indicates NB.1.8.1 presents a low global public health risk. However, its spike protein mutations A435S, V445H, and T478I indicate potential for enhanced transmission and immune escape compared to other variants.
As of May 19, India reported 257 active Covid cases.
The director general of Health Services recently conducted a review meeting with specialists from the National Centre for Disease Control, ICMR, and other significant health institutions. Additionally, the Union health secretary conducted a review meeting on Saturday to address the recent surge in Covid cases, as reported by PTI, citing official sources.
Senior officials participated in the meeting, including representatives from the department of health research, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) director general, and the National Centre for Disease Control director general.
"Union health ministry remains vigilant and, through its multiple agencies, is proactively monitoring the situation closely," sources said.
Read more: Top government officials meet after Covid uptick
Various regions have noted localised increases. Delhi registered 23 new cases, Andhra Pradesh reported four cases in 24 hours, Telangana confirmed one case, and Bengaluru recorded a positive case in a nine-month-old amid a steady increase over 20 days. Kerala documented 273 cases in May.
The INSACOG reported that Tamil Nadu identified one NB.1.8.1 case in April, while Gujarat detected four LF.7 cases in May.
The JN.1 variant remains predominant in India, representing 53 per cent of tested samples, with BA.2 at 26 per cent and other Omicron sublineages at 20 per cent.
WHO's initial risk assessment indicates NB.1.8.1 presents a low global public health risk. However, its spike protein mutations A435S, V445H, and T478I indicate potential for enhanced transmission and immune escape compared to other variants.
As of May 19, India reported 257 active Covid cases.
The director general of Health Services recently conducted a review meeting with specialists from the National Centre for Disease Control, ICMR, and other significant health institutions. Additionally, the Union health secretary conducted a review meeting on Saturday to address the recent surge in Covid cases, as reported by PTI, citing official sources.
Senior officials participated in the meeting, including representatives from the department of health research, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) director general, and the National Centre for Disease Control director general.
"Union health ministry remains vigilant and, through its multiple agencies, is proactively monitoring the situation closely," sources said.
Read more: Top government officials meet after Covid uptick
Various regions have noted localised increases. Delhi registered 23 new cases, Andhra Pradesh reported four cases in 24 hours, Telangana confirmed one case, and Bengaluru recorded a positive case in a nine-month-old amid a steady increase over 20 days. Kerala documented 273 cases in May.
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