Pratiksha Ghosh
NEW DELHI, May 2025 : As per the Data released by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) Two new subvariants of the Covid-19 virus — NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 — have been detected in India.
One case of NB.1.8.1 was identified first in Tamil Nadu in April, while four other instances of the LF.7 variant were found in Gujarat this May.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified both variants as “Variants Under Monitoring,” indicating that they do not currently pose a significant threat to global health . WHO has stated that the existing vaccines are expected to remain effective in preventing severe illness from these subvariants.
At present, JN.1 remains the dominant Covid-19 variant in India, accounting for 53% of sequenced cases. It is followed by BA.2 with 26%, while the remaining 20% are other Omicron sublineages.
Health experts have advised the public not to panic.
Dr. Dhruv Chauhan, national spokesperson for the Indian Medical Association’s Junior Doctors Network, explained that JN.1 — a descendant of Omicron BA.2.86 — is not a dangerous strain, with most patients reporting only mild symptoms.
“This is not a deadly variant. However, people should continue practicing basic precautions like hand hygiene, wearing masks in hospitals or crowded areas, and consulting doctors if symptoms arise,” Dr. Chauhan advised.
However , he also cautioned that unnecessary panic could cause more harm than the virus itself.
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