What Does INSACOG Data Reveal About Active Covid Variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 in India?
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Synopsis
As Covid-19 cases rise in India, INSACOG reveals the presence of new variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. This article explores their implications and the current situation of the pandemic in the country.
Key Takeaways
- INSACOG reports active variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 in India.
- Both variants are classified as Variants Under Monitoring by the WHO.
- India has 257 active Covid cases as of May 19.
- JN.1 remains the dominant variant, comprising 53% of cases.
- Robust surveillance systems are in place to monitor Covid-19 variants.
New Delhi, May 24 (NationPress) In light of the rising cases of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in India, the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has revealed the emergence of NB.1.8.1 and LF.7—descendants of the JN.1 Covid variant within the nation.
According to INSACOG data, a network of 64 laboratories dedicated to tracking genomic variations of the Covid virus, there has been one instance of NB.1.8.1 and four occurrences of the LF.7 variant.
NB.1.8.1 was first detected in Tamil Nadu in April, while the LF.7 variant was identified in Gujarat with four confirmed cases in May.
Both LF.7 and NB.1.8.1 have been designated as Variants Under Monitoring (VUM) by the World Health Organization (WHO). This classification indicates that these SARS-CoV-2 variants may necessitate prioritized attention and surveillance from public health authorities.
These variants are not only present in India but are also contributing to a rise in Covid cases in China and various regions of Asia.
As of May 19, data from the Ministry of Health indicates that India is currently managing 257 active Covid cases.
The JN.1 variant remains the most prevalent in India, accounting for 53 percent of the samples tested, followed by BA.2 at 26 percent and other Omicron sublineages at 20 percent.
The WHO's initial risk assessment suggests that NB.1.8.1 presents a low public health risk globally. However, its mutations in the spike protein, such as A435S, V445H, and T478I, indicate a potential for increased transmissibility and immune evasion compared to other variants.
Several states and cities in India have reported a notable increase in cases.
Maharashtra has confirmed 106 Covid cases, with Mumbai alone reporting 95 in May. Gurugram in Haryana recorded three cases, while Faridabad reported one.
Tamil Nadu has also seen a surge, with 12 new cases reported in Puducherry. Karnataka has reported 16 active Covid cases, as stated by state health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.
In Gujarat, Ahmedabad documented seven cases in a single day, bringing the state's total to 15 active Covid cases.
Delhi has recorded 23 new cases, Andhra Pradesh has reported four in the last 24 hours, and Telangana confirmed one. Notably, a nine-month-old in Bengaluru tested positive amidst a gradual rise over the past 20 days. Kerala has reported 273 cases just in May.
Nonetheless, the health ministry has reassured the public that India has a robust system for monitoring respiratory viral illnesses, including Covid, through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR.
Point of View
It is imperative to report on the evolving landscape of Covid-19 in India with transparency and accuracy. The emergence of new variants like NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 highlights the ongoing challenges we face. It's crucial to remain vigilant and informed as we navigate this public health crisis together.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new Covid variants identified in India?
The new Covid variants identified in India are NB.1.8.1 and LF.7.
How many active Covid cases are there in India?
As of May 19, India has reported 257 active Covid cases.
What measures are in place to monitor these variants?
India has a robust system for monitoring respiratory viral illnesses through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the ICMR.
What is the classification of NB.1.8.1 and LF.7?
Both NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 are classified as Variants Under Monitoring (VUM) by the WHO.
Which variant is most prevalent in India?
JN.1 is the most prevalent variant in India, making up 53 percent of samples tested.
