Covid update, new omicron sub variant detected

Cases increased from 70 at the end of July to 115 on August 6...


PUNE: Covid-19 cases are increasing in Maharashtra while a new Omicron subvariant - EG.5.1 - has been detected in the state in the first instance of its presence in India.

 

Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte, Maharashtra's coordinator for genome sequencing and a senior scientist with BJ Medical College told, "EG.5.1 was detected in Maharashtra in May.

 

As two months have passed since its detection and [there has been] no significant surge in Covid in June and July, this subvariant has not seemed to make an impact. XBB.1.16 and XBB.2.3 are still dominating in Maharashtra."

 

According to data from the state health department, the number of active Covid-19 cases increased from 70 at the end of July to 115 on August 6. The case count in the state Monday was 109.

 

On July 31, it was officially recognised after a surge in infections was attributed to this subvariant.

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