On November 24, 2021, the Network for Genomics Surveillance in South Africa notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the SARS-CoV-2 variant Omicron (B.1.1.529). It was first discovered in Botswana and has since spread to become the most common variety in use worldwide. Omicron has numerous subvariants after the first BA.1 variant, including BA.2, BA.3, BA.4, and BA.5.
A COVID-19 vaccination administered over three doses offers defense against severe illness and hospitalization brought on by BA.1 and BA.2. The effects of BA.2 on immunity are comparable to those of BA.1. As of June 2022, a new peak in COVID-19 infections is predicted to develop because the BA.4 and BA.5 variations are more contagious than earlier subvariants in three-dose vaccinated persons.
New Delhi: With Diwali only a week away, medical professionals have cautioned people to exercise caution because the covid strains BA.7 and BA.5.1.7 are reportedly more contagious and more easily transmissible.
The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Center reportedly discovered this new Omicron variety.
The Omicron sub-variants BA.5.1.7 and BF.7, which first appeared in a region of Mongolia in China, are now spreading to other regions and posing new hazards.
Due to the numerous gatherings and celebrations that occur throughout the five-day Diwali festival, health experts advise taking extra measures. The major defense against the deadly virus continues to be social isolation and concealment.
According to two studies, researchers have found that BF.7 can evade the antibodies from prior diseases or immunizations better than the numerous other omicron sub-variants.
Covid instances are increasing in Delhi
According to official statistics, Delhi is seeing an increase in Covid-19 instances, with the test positivity rate rising above 2%.
Delhi observed 135 new instances of Covid-19 although no deaths were reported in the previous two days. In the city, there were 112 cases last week with a 1.75 percent test positivity rate, and 130 cases on Saturday with a 1.84 percent positivity rate.
Is the brand-new Omicron version deadly?
Experts have expressed concern about the new variant’s rapid rate of transmission, which preliminary data indicate may be able to pierce the protective layer of vaccine immunity.
Omicron BF.7 symptoms
Omicron BF.7 shares the same symptoms as all other varieties, but doctors think that the body pains are considerably more agonizing.
• Congestion
• unwell throat
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Cold and a cough
• clogged nose
• extreme fever
To inform public health authorities around the world of which VOC lineages may need priority attention and monitoring, WHO has added a new category to its variant tracking system called Omicron subvariants under monitoring in light of the widespread transmission of the Omicron VOC throughout the world and the expected ensuing increase in viral diversity.
The dramatic increase in Covid-19 cases in Singapore since August has been attributed to two sub-variants, BA.2.75 and BJ.1, which have been combined to form the novel Omicron sub-variant of Covid-19 known as XBB. Although there is little information on its fatality rate, it is thought to be quite contagious and spread quickly.
Omicron BF.7 in India; experts advise exercising extra caution as a new wave could develop around Diwali
