In India, XBB.1.16 is spreading rapidly in Maharashtra and Gujarat, according to CoveSpectrum. This platform helps scientists identify the variant of Corona by collecting data. According to this tracker, the total sequencing samples of the sub-variant are 39 from Maharashtra, 8 from Gujarat and one from UP. INSACOG, the government-run genome sequencing and virus variation monitoring forum, is yet to upload the data for this sub-variant on its portal.
An expert from India’s Genome Sequencing Network told TOI, “The XBB.1.16 sub-variant is not in the family of XBB.1.5 but both belong to the XBB family and XBB.1 is the newest member.” XBB is spreading in India and the recent increase in corona cases may be due to XBB.1.16 and possibly XBB.1.5. However, some more samples will be needed to bring out a clear picture.
Experts said that most of the strains from Indian travelers spread to Singapore, America and Brunei. Most recently it was XBB.1.16. In such a situation, it is possible that this sub-variant is spreading corona in India. Dr. Sanjay Pujari, member of the National COVID-19 Task Force and expert in infectious diseases, said that more information is available about how XBB.1.16 is able to dodge the immune system and cause serious illness compared to other Omicron sub-variants. Not there.
Source: navbharattimes.indiatimes.com
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