These 349 samples of the new variant XBB1.16 have been found in nine states and the Union Territory of the country
Posted on – Thu 23 Mar 23 at 06:14pm
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New Delhi: According to INSACOG data, a total of 349 samples of the XBB.1.16 variant of COVID-19 were detected, which may be responsible for the recent rise in coronavirus cases in the country.
The 349 variant samples have been found in nine states and the Federal Territory.
According to INSACOG data accessed by PTI, the highest number of cases was detected in Maharashtra with 105, followed by Telangana with 93, Karnataka with 61 and Gujarat with 54.
XBB 1.16 was first detected in January when two samples tested positive for the variant. In February, 140 samples of the XBB 1.16 variant were discovered. According to INSACOG data, 207 XBB 1.16 variant samples have been found so far in March.
India has recently witnessed an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country.
India recorded 1,300 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, a 140-day high, while active cases rose to 7,605. The death toll increased to 5,30,816, including 3 fatalities. Data updated at 8am showed Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra each reporting one death.
The new XBB.1.16 variant may have driven the recent gains, former AIIMS director Dr. Randeep Guleria said on Wednesday. However, he stressed that as long as it does not cause serious illness and death, there is no need to panic.
According to him, as the virus continues to mutate over time, new variants will continue to emerge, and XBB.1.16 is a bit of a “new kid”.
XBB.1.16 is a recombinant lineage of the virus, a descendant of the COVID-19 XBB lineage.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting and called for vigilance and precautions amid a surge in flu and coronavirus cases in the country over the past two weeks.
An official statement said he stressed the need to step up genome sequencing and uphold Covid-appropriate behaviour.
