Though we have little genome sequencing data on the new variant of Covid, it is better to be cautious and keep up our guard.
By Tirtho Banerjee: The new threat is XBB variant of Covid-19. Maharashtra Health Department is already on its toes. A 17.7 per cent hike in Covid-19 cases in the state has been witnessed between October 10 and October 16, compared to the previous week. And the threat becomes graver since festivities are around the corner.
WHAT IS XXB VARIANT?
XXB was discovered in Singapore in August. It is a hybrid of Omicron’s BA.2.75 and BJ.1 sub-variants. It has now appeared in 17 countries across the globe. It is believed that XBB variant has “growth advantage” over BA.2.75 and immune evasive property.
Dr Sebastian Maurer-Stroh, director of A*Star’s Bioinformatics Institute, reportedly has said that the new variant is a result of an accumulation of changes in the virus’ spike surface protein.
Scientists involved in genome sequencing have reportedly said around 88% of India’s new infections were caused by BA.2.75 while XXB 7%. In Singapore, XXB is dominant and the recent spike in new Covid cases in the island country can be attributed to it. Thailand has mounted checks for international passengers at its airport. Authorities in Europe are also monitoring the situation very closely.
IS IT DANGEROUS?
XXB has seven mutations on the spike protein. The immune system takes time to recognise XXB. It tricks and dodges immune cells and can enter our body cells more easily to cause infection.
Some experts believe that XXB is the most contagious variant of Covid. “It is likely the most immune-evasive and poses problems for current monoclonal antibody-based treatments and prevention strategy,” pointed out Amesh Adalja of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. Some researchers contend that Covid vaccines won’t be able to protect people from this variant; and they will be rendered ineffective. There are also indications that XXB may lead to an increase in reinfections.
The Maharashtra Health Department has warned that the XXB variant will reach its peak in mid-November, after the festive season is over. The government also pointed out that the recent spike is largely noticed in densely-populated areas such as Mumbai, Thane and Raigad.
So, we need to step up our preparedness. Since little data is available on how XXB spreads, we must keep up our guard. It’s still unclear if the virus causes severe disease leading to hospitalisation. Some experts said hospitalisation will apparently be required only in emergency cases. But there’s unanimity that the elderly and those suffering from comorbidities should be more careful and wear masks to protect themselves. They should also take the precautionary or booster dose as soon as possible.
