New Covid-19 variant XFG detected in 163 cases in India: It evades immunity
A new Covid-19 variant known as XFG has been detected in 163 cases across India, according to the latest update from INSACOG, the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium.A network of 54 laboratories across India that track how the virus that causes Covid-19 is changing, INSACOG plays a crucial role in flagging emerging variants so that public health systems can respond effectively.advertisementThis comes at a time when active Covid-19 cases in the country are inching upwards, with over 6,000 active cases currently reported by the UnionHealth Ministry.
But what exactly is the XFG variant, and should we be worried? Here's what we know so far.WHAT IS THE XFG VARIANT?XFG is a recombinant subvariant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which means it is formed by the mixing of two earlier variants, first detected in Canada.In this case, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 have combined to form XFG. Recombinant variants emerge when a person is infected with two different strains of the virus simultaneously, and the virus "mixes and matches" its genetic material. XFG is classified under the larger Omicron family of Covid-19 variants, which has been dominant globally since late 2021.WHERE HAS XFG BEEN FOUND IN INDIA?advertisementAccording to INSACOG's latest data: Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of XFG cases (89), followed by Tamil Nadu (16), Kerala (15), Gujarat (11), and Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal (six each).Most of these cases (159) were detected in May 2024, while two each were reported in April and June.WHAT MAKES XFG DIFFERENT FROM PREVIOUS VARIANTS?Indian scientists are closely watching XFG because of certain mutations in its spike protein, the part of the virus that helps it attach to and enter human cells.These include changes named His445Arg, Asn487Asp, Gln493Glu, and Thr572Ile, according to a report by The Lancet.These mutations may affect how easily the virus enters human cells, how well it evades the immune system, and how fast it spreads from person to person.
Indian scientists are closely watching XFG because of certain mutations in its spike protein, the part of the virus that helps it attach to and enter human cells. ()
While some of the changes reduce the virus's ability to latch onto human cells (what experts call reduced ACE2 receptor binding), others seem to help it evade immune responses, meaning it can escape detection by the body's natural defences or vaccines.advertisementThis combination means that while XFG might not be as infectious as earlier strains, its immune evasion capabilities make it harder for the body to fight once infected, especially in people with weaker immunity or without updated vaccines.SHOULD WE BE CONCERNED?At the moment, there is no evidence to suggest that XFG is causing more severe illness or hospitalisations.
A security official stands guard outside a ward set up for COVID-19 patients amid an uptick in coronavirus infections, at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)
However, its ability to spread quietly, by evading immunity, could make it a challenge if it becomes widespread.According to the Lancet report, XFG and other related emerging variants like NB.1.8.1, LF.7.9, and XFH show growth advantages, meaning they may be better at spreading than previous strains.These variants could potentially drive the next wave of infections if not monitored closely.advertisementTHE CURRENT COVID-19 PICTURE IN INDIAIndia's active Covid-19 caseload stands at 6,491 cases as of June 9, with 769 new cases reported in just 48 hours.
At the moment, there is no evidence to suggest that XFG is causing more severe illness or hospitalisations. ()
The worst-hit state is Kerala, with nearly 1,957 active cases and seven new infections reported in the last 24 hours.While these numbers are not alarming when compared to previous waves, they serve as a reminder that the virus is still evolving and the public must remain vigilant.WHAT CAN YOU DO?Don't ignore flu-like symptoms: Get tested if you're unwell.Continue masking in crowded or enclosed spaces, especially in areas with rising cases.Stay updated with vaccinations, including booster doses if available.Avoid self-medication and follow guidance from healthcare professionals.Monitor official updates from INSACOG and the Ministry of Health.The detection of the XFG variant highlights how genomic surveillance serves as a sentinel in tracking the course of the pandemic.
advertisement
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
42 minutes ago
- The Hindu
COVID-19's Return: New Variants, Mild Symptoms, and the Gaps in India's Public Health Preparedness
Published : Jun 09, 2025 17:07 IST - 7 MINS READ COVID-19 is once again making headlines. As of June 9, India has 6,491 active cases, according to the Union Health Ministry. Kerala remains the most affected State with 1,957 cases as of June 6, followed by Gujarat (980), West Bengal (747), and Delhi (728). While hospitalisations remain low and most cases are mild, the government has increased surveillance, testing, and hospital preparedness. According to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), one case of the NB.1.8.1 variant was found in Tamil Nadu in April, and four cases of LF.7 were reported in Gujarat in May. The dominant variant in the country is JN.1, which is highly transmissible but generally mild, accounting for 53 per cent of current cases. 'When COVID first came, it was hugely problematic. We weren't prepared for it,' said Dr. Sylvia Karpagam. 'But now it can be endemic, in the sense that the virus is floating around, and given the right environment (such as certain seasons or overcrowded areas) and host, we can see a flare-up. We do expect, because of the vaccine and previous infections as well, that there will be some level of immunity. So, mostly we are not taking this as seriously as we would a new organism.' Also Read | WHO sees 'incredibly low' COVID-19, flu vaccination rates as cases surge However, Dr. Karpagam urges constant monitoring of the situation as the virus is a new mutation, and although there are fewer chances of another pandemic, it cannot be said for certain. 'We thought polio was contained, but suddenly it surged and that was because it was a new form of polio. So, lab checking, taking samples, and constant research must be done,' she added. Several groups in India remain particularly vulnerable: the elderly; those with underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, lung or respiratory illnesses, diabetes, hypertension, or obesity; immunocompromised individuals, including cancer patients and transplant recipients; pregnant women due to physiological changes; and children under five, especially the unvaccinated. During any spike in respiratory infections, individuals in these categories are advised to take precautions: wear masks in public, avoid crowded areas, stay home when possible, and practise regular hand hygiene. Dr. Karpagam urges a more proactive public health system. 'We need a public health system that is prepared. We have to be able to prevent diseases before they occur, instead of waking up on the day of [the disease spreading] and trying to find a cure. It's a big problem in India. In the case of COVID, in case it rises, in case there are new mutations, just how prepared are we? That system of prevention and preparedness is not at all there.' In response to the recent surge, the Centre conducted facility-level mock drills on June 5 to assess hospital preparedness. These followed technical review meetings chaired by the Director General of Health Services, Sunita Sharma. States were instructed to ensure the availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines. A separate drill on June 2 tested oxygen supply systems, including PSA plants, LMO tanks, and MGPS lines. Hospitals have been directed to follow the revised ABC Guidelines 03, issued in June 2023, for treating patients with COVID-19 and influenza symptoms. All patients with symptoms of ILI (Influenza-Like Illness), ARI (Acute Respiratory Infection), or SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) must be tested. If a Rapid Antigen Test returns negative, an RT-PCR is mandatory. District RT-PCR facilities must be fully utilised, the department said. Preventive strategies remain familiar, but their urgency has returned. Respiratory viruses tend to be seasonal, with recurring waves. Vulnerable individuals—or anyone with symptoms—are advised to avoid crowded, enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces such as buses, trains, planes, offices, malls, and cinemas, especially without a mask. While rapid testing is widely available in urban areas, rural access remains limited, prompting calls for expanded distribution. Dr. Karpagam stressed the importance of vigilance—not just against the virus, but also against misinformation. 'If the virus is a mild version, pharmaceutical companies may hike the vaccine prices and say they have modified the vaccine to treat the mutation, and it becomes a business. Which is why we need research, labs, the Indian Council of Medical Research, and we need the government to put out regular statements. If it's a very serious mutation, then the government must put out notices regarding a vaccine and guidelines on how to manage symptoms. When there is no central regulation, then random people step in and give out misinformation to try various treatments without any scientific backing.' Global cases also climbing On May 28, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a global increase in SARS-CoV-2 activity based on its Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System. Test positivity rates have risen steadily since mid-February, reaching 11 per cent—levels not observed since July 2024. This surge is concentrated in the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific regions and is being driven by new subvariants including LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1. Of these, NB.1.8.1 has caught WHO's attention and has been designated a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM). As of late April, 518 sequences of this variant had been reported across 22 countries, accounting for 10.7 per cent of global submissions. While the variant appears to spread more rapidly, WHO has found no evidence of increased severity. Symptoms remain largely familiar: sore throat, fever with chills, congestion, fatigue, and headache. Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former chief scientist of WHO and chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, said such spikes of infections are normal. 'Like any other respiratory viral infection, it's self-resolving. Yes, there's an increase, and periodically we can expect to see an increase—I think every six to eight months is what it seems to be from looking back.' 'What we've seen in the past is that every time there are some additional mutations which confer an increase in transmissibility, you do see a spike, because the immunity that we have does not protect us against infection. Whether it's a vaccine or whether it's naturally induced immunity, it only protects us against severe diseases. So, infections are occurring, but the majority of them seem to be mild or do not require any hospitalisation or inpatient care or any specific treatment,' she added. A 2024 study in Nature found that vaccines updated to target JN.1 or related sublineages such as KP.2 elicit robust neutralising antibody responses against JN.1 and its descendants, including KP.3.1.1, XEC, LF.7.2.1, and LP.8.1. However, neutralisation titres against these newer variants are slightly lower than against JN.1 itself, suggesting some immune escape but continued protection. A 2024 Eurosurveillance study published in The Lancet estimated that the XBB.1.5 vaccine—a precursor to JN.1-targeted versions—had a vaccine effectiveness of 41 per cent in adults aged 18–59 and 50 per cent in those aged 60–85 against JN.1 infection. Also Read | COVID-19 rates are rising again—what you need to know Dr. Swaminathan urged long-term investment in vaccine development. 'What are those priority pathogens? WHO has priority pathogens for 25 or 26 viral families. India could decide out of that which are those ones which are of most importance or threat to us. I think if we had that kind of a list for India, then the industry would be able to develop and stockpile a certain number of doses of vaccine. This has to be done in a sort of private-public partnership, just like it was done for COVID,' she said. WHO shifts strategy In May, WHO released two new guidance documents in response to the global spike: Strategic and Operational Plan for Coronavirus Disease Threat Management: 2025–2030; and Implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005): Extension of the Standing Recommendations for Covid-19. 'This plan sets out WHO's strategic and operational framework to support Member States in the sustained, integrated, evidence-based management of coronavirus disease threats, including Covid-19, Mers, and potential novel coronavirus diseases of public health importance,' the document states. WHO no longer recommends lockdowns or blanket travel bans. Instead, it advises targeted, evidence-based responses that do not disrupt daily life: early variant detection, focused vaccination campaigns, and stronger public communication.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
IVRI performs first indigenous hip transplant in dog
Lucknow: The Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, set a record by carrying out a hip transplant on a dog using indigenous technology. This first of its kind transplant in the country was carried out by IVRI scientist Dr Rohit Kumar and his team. A govt spokesperson said that artificial hips were not available for dogs in India, and when required, one had to depend on foreign equipment, which costs up to Rs 5 lakh. "IVRI has developed a completely indigenous hip system based on cemented technology for Indian breed dogs, which will provide a better life to dogs at a very low cost," a govt spokesperson said. The transplant was possible after three years of intensive research. Technical assistance was provided by human orthopaedic surgeon from Bareilly Dr Alok Singh, along with Yogesh Saxena and Devesh Saxena of Bareilly Medicare firm. The artificial hip and equipment used in the surgery were manufactured in collaboration with Gujarat's Life Ortho Care company. The team of doctors included principal scientist Dr Rohit Kumar, Dr Amarpal, Dr AC Saxena, Dr AM Pawade, Dr T Sai Kumar, and researcher Dr Kamlesh Kumar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Their first successful surgery was done in Dehradun, the second at IVRI, and the third on a service dog of Sambhal police. So far, three dogs have received a new lease on life from these surgeries. IVRI director Dr Triveni Dutt said, "This is a milestone towards India's self-reliance in veterinary medicine. We will make this technology available to dog breeders across the country as soon as possible and transfer it to industrial sector."
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Active Covid count reaches 32 with four new cases
Indore: Indore continues to witness a surge in Covid-19 infections, with four new cases reported on Monday, bringing the total number of active cases in the district to 32. According to District Epidemiologist Dr Anshul Mishra, all four new patients are male residents of Indore, aged 30, 32, 48, and 57 years. They have no recent travel history, are currently stable, and are undergoing home isolation. Dr Mishra noted that most patients are presenting with mild symptoms. So far in the current calendar year, Indore reported two Covid-19 related fatalities. The first was a 74-year-old woman from Indore who passed away approximately one and a half months ago while receiving treatment at a private hospital. The second was a 44-year-old woman from Khargone, who delivered a baby a few days prior at MTH Hospital and tragically died on Friday during treatment at MRTB Hospital after testing positive for Covid-19. Dr Mishra stated that samples for suspected cases are currently collected at MRTB Hospital until 2 PM, with testing conducted at MGM Medical College's lab. For the remaining hours, or if doctors at MRTB Hospital do not classify a case as 'suspected,' individuals must rely on private labs and hospitals for diagnosis. This highlights that Indore's govt healthcare infrastructure remains under-equipped for basic public diagnostic access. TNN
