Odisha reports rise in cases of the SARS-CoV2 subvariant

According to sources from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), the Indian state of Odisha has reported two cases of LF.7.9 and three cases of XFG. Both these strains are descendants of Omicron and have been traced back to JN.1, the variant responsible for the global waves of late 2023 and early 2024. While these variants do not appear to cause severe disease at this time, they are characterised by increased transmissibility and immune evasion, raising public health concerns, especially during the monsoon season when influenza cases are on the rise. Health experts are urging members of the public who develop symptoms similar to those of the virus to seek medical advice immediately. This is to prevent the spread of the disease to vulnerable groups, including elderly people and those with underlying health issues. Meanwhile, two new cases of COVID-19 in Cuttack – a total of seven in the state. Both patients had no travel history.