omicron variant

A new COVID-19 sub-lineage, nicknamed 'cicada' and linked to BA.3.2, is circulating. While highly transmissible due to numerous mutations, experts state it causes mild symptoms like stuffy nose and fever, unlike previous variants that affected lungs. Hospitalizations and severe outcomes are not expected, with infections typically resolving on their own.

A new Omicron offshoot, dubbed 'Cicada', is showing a subtle shift, with children aged 3-15 appearing more susceptible to infection. While cases and hospitalizations remain low, experts are closely monitoring the variant's evolution and considering broader Covid-19 vaccination for younger children. This proactive approach aims to reduce disruptions and waning population immunity.

A new COVID-19 variant with multiple spike protein mutations has emerged, showing signs of immune escape. While this raises concerns, experts emphasize that the situation differs significantly from the pandemic's start due to widespread hybrid immunity and improved healthcare preparedness. The virus is now considered endemic, behaving like other respiratory illnesses.

A woman residing in the Tandalja area of the city who had tested positive for Covid-19 earlier was found infected by the omicron variant. The woman had returned from UK and had not come in contact with many persons.

Eight Omicron cases, including six from Pune rural, were confirmed in the state on Friday. With this, the district’s tally of confirmed Covid-19 cases linked to the omicron variant shot up to 18, while the total number of cases across the state rose to 40.

The genome sequencing report of two samples sent from Bilaspur is reported to be negative for Omicron virus. At present, the presence of the omicron variant of Corona has not been found in people coming from abroad in Chhattisgarh.

The latest report of Covid-positive samples analysed in genome sequencing labs of Delhi proves what medical experts have been saying for some time — the massive surge in new cases is fuelled by the omicron variant of the novel coronavirus.

Amid rising cases of fresh Covid-19 infection, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal assured there was no need to panic as Delhi government was prepared to deal with the omicron variant of the coronavirus. Kejriwal, however, urged the central government to allow fully vaccinated Delhiites to take a booster shot, starting with healthcare workers.

At least two people in Odisha have tested positive for the omicron variant of Covid-19, the first cases of the latest version of coronavirus in the state, officials said on Tuesday.

Goa recorded six more Omicron cases, taking the overall tally to 11. The six whose samples tested positive for the variant were UK returnees. “All are asymptomatic,” health minister Vishwajit Rane said.

Nearly 7 months after the WHO withdrew the public health emergency notification for Covid-19, the virus refuses to go away. The omicron variant has mutated into several new subvariants, with the latest, JN.1, causing a surge in Covid cases. While experts said they will wait for a few more days before calling it a new wave and there’s no need to panic, they warn that the WHO-declared “variant of interest” may not be the last on the list. Vulnerables advised to take vaccine.

Nearly one out of every five travellers testing Covid-positive at IGI Airport is infected with the omicron variant, tests conducted at Institute of Genomic and Integrative Biology (IGIB) show.

The genetic profile of prevalent Covid-19 in Gujarat is changing, indicate top sources in the state health department.

There are many things that governments need to do to prevent the spread of the omicron variant and its potential impact. But, public health specialists say, people also need to shed complacency and follow Covid-appropriate behaviour to prevent the disease from spreading.

The tally of omicron variant cases has now increased from 17 to 18. The 18thcase of omicron variant has reported from Sikar. The new case of omicron variant is related to the same family of bride from Ajitgarh of Sikar district who got married to a groom from Delhi’s Karkardooma area at Jaipur on November28. It is the fourth case of omicron from the Sikar’s bride family.

Private labs in the city have been trying to procure RT-PCR test kits targeting the S gene, following concerns over the omicron variant.

The omicron variant has been reported in 57 nations and the number of patients needing hospitalisation is likely to rise as it spreads, the World Health Organization said on Wednesday. Referring to the risk of reinfection, the WHO said: "Preliminary analysis suggests that the mutations present in the omicron variant may reduce neutralising activity of antibodies resulting in reduced protection from natural immunity."

A 28-year-old Ajmer resident, who had returned from Ghana after landing at Delhi airport on December 16, has tested positive for the omicron variant of Covid-19.