Omicron Variant XBB.1.16: New Upgraded Version of COVID-19 Rising in India

The new and upgraded version of COVID-19 with the variant name Omicron XBB.1.16 is aggressively active in India.

As per the Union Health Ministry data updated, in the last 24 hours 6,000 new Covid cases have been reported with more than 26000 active cases rising daily at the rate of 3.32% and weekly at 2.89%.

“In India, XBB.1.16 has replaced the other variants that are in circulation. So this is one to watch,” said Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s COVID-19 technical lead, during a March 29 press conference.

The positive aspect is that the recovery rate currently stands at 98.75% carrying the recoveries to 4,41,82,538.

To control the daily rising cases, Govt also became active and focused to expedite the vaccination programs.

As per the Health Ministry’s website, 220.66 crore total vaccine doses (95.21 crore Second Doses and 22.87 crore Precaution Doses) have been administered so far under the Nationwide Vaccination Drive.

The management and administration of new doses and Covid-19 detection test centres are also conducted at fast speed.

The Covid-19 cases in India have seen an upward trend in the past few days with the daily fresh infections ranging between 2,994 on April 1 to 3,824 on April 2 and 3,641 on April 3 to 3038 on Tuesday.

Taking the rising COVID cases in India seriously, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday said that Omicron`s sub-variant which is circulating in the country has not led to an increase in hospitalisations and there is no need to worry about the new variant.

The Minister said that there is a need to remain vigilant. “We need to remain alert but there is no need to worry.

Currently, the sub-variant of Omicron which is circulating in the country hasn`t increased hospitalisations,” Mandaviya said.

Symptoms of Omicron Variant XBB.1.16

The symptoms of the presence of XBB 1.16 Omicron variant in patients is similar to those of the Omicron variant such as high-grade fever for over two days, cough, sore throat, body pain, severe headache, cold and abdominal discomfort.

“There is no loss of smell or taste seen in the patients, so far. Most of them have mild to moderate disease and are being managed on home isolation,” Dr. Arora said.

People Who are at High Risk

Experts believe that children, the elderly population, and patients with co-morbidities such as cardiac conditions, previous pulmonary issues, and diabetes among other ailments are at the most risk of the new variant.

Precautions to Safe from New COVID Variant

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued circular for patients with Covid-19 who must be under home isolation.

Apart from all that people should take the previous precautionary measures like –   Physical distancing, indoor mask use, hand hygiene and symptomatic management (hydration, antipyretics, antitussive) are some of the must-dos if you catch the virus.

Furthermore, patients should also monitor their temperature and oxygen saturation.

“Despite the rise in infections, deaths have been low. Cough and cold are among the common symptoms found in patients infected with the XBB.1.16 variant,” he said.

Dr Sarin also encouraged people with comorbidities and those who are overweight to take proper steps to avoid catching the virus.

He also advised individuals to take booster dosages if they had not earlier. “Those who have been infected with the virus may face lung, heart, kidney and brain may face complications for a long time,” he continued.

Source: Moneycontrol & India Today