Over 200 cases from India have tested positive for the new FLiRT variant of COVID-19, most of them from cities in Maharashtra. Experts say there may not be a wave yet but the virus is mutating rapidly which is a cause for concern, especially in vulnerable population. New Delhi: There is a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases globally with the new variant wreaking havoc in parts of the Asian continent, especially Singapore, where health experts are contemplating to make masking and hand hygiene a mandate in the country.
In the Indian context, there is a surge in cases which could be due to the new COVID-19 variant called FLiRT. The first cases of this new variant was identified in January and also in April, especially in parts of Maharashtra. The strain was dominant in cities including Pune, Thane, Amravati, Aurangabad, Solapur, Ahmednagar, Nashik, Latur and Sanglione.
As of May 18, India has reported over 200 COVID-19 and experts are attributing most of these to the latest KP.2 and KP1.1 variants.
According to epidemiologists, these are sub variants of the Omicron JN.1. Is it a more virulent form of the Omicron variant? Doctors and scientists are of the opinion that the FLiRT variants can indeed evade immunity from vaccines and is considered to be much stronger than the previous variants.
“We are still studying this particular variant and it is too soon in the day to comment on its virulence but this particular strain is capable of evading the vaccines. More information is awaite.