Are infections from new Covid strains less severe?
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Synopsis
In recent updates from the ICMR-NIV Director, new strains of Covid, including JN.1.16 and XFG, are not leading to severe infections. As active cases decline, the focus remains on monitoring these variants and assessing vaccine efficacy in India. Stay informed about the evolving situation and the measures being taken to combat Covid.
Key Takeaways
- JN.1.16 and XFG variants are not causing severe infections.
- Active Covid cases have decreased to 6,483.
- The ICMR-NIV is tracking variants through whole genome sequencing.
- India has submitted sequences to IBDC and GISAID.
- Two Omicron-based vaccines are available in India.
Pune, June 18 (NationPress) The JN.1.16 sub lineage of the Omicron variant and the XFG (LF.7 and LP.81.2) recombinant variant have not led to significantly severe Covid infections, as stated by Dr. Naveen Kumar, Director of the ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV), on Wednesday. This announcement comes amid a decline in active cases after a month-long increase.
As per the latest update from the Health Ministry, there are currently 6,483 active cases with 113 deaths. This follows a spike in Covid cases that began in the second week of April, where active cases exceeded 7,000 across the nation.
Dr. Kumar informed IANS that genomic analysis indicated that the rise was attributed to the JN.1.16 sub lineage of the Omicron variant, which has since been supplanted by the XFG (LF.7 and LP.81.2) recombinant variant starting May 2025.
He added, “Current observations indicate that the illnesses linked to these strains are not particularly severe.”
Dr. Kumar emphasized that since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the NIV has been diligently monitoring the virus and its various variants through its 73 Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VDRLs) nationwide.
“ICMR-NIV in Pune is consistently tracking the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 by conducting whole genome sequencing of RT PCR positive samples referred from 73 VRDLs across the country. Covid has persisted since 2019, and the NIV continues to observe the different strains circulating within the nation,” Kumar stated.
India has shared the whole genome sequences with the IBDC (Indian Biological Data Centre) and GISAID, a global open-access database. The NIV is also actively isolating newer variants.
Dr. Kumar noted that “This initiative will be instrumental in evaluating vaccine effectiveness and supporting India’s indigenous vaccine development efforts.”
Currently, two monovalent Omicron-based vaccines—Corbivax from Biological E Limited and COVOVAX from the Serum Institute of India—are available in the country.
When asked about the necessity for vaccines to address the new variants, Kumar clarified that such decisions rest with the government.
He concluded by stating, “The determination of whether to develop a new vaccine based on the currently circulating strain is a policy decision. The NIV’s role is to continuously monitor the recently circulating virus strain.” The Health Ministry is actively overseeing the situation.
Point of View
The situation surrounding Covid variants is constantly changing. The data from ICMR-NIV suggests a positive trend, but the need for vigilance remains. The government and health authorities must continue monitoring these developments to protect public health effectively.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the JN.1.16 sub lineage?
The JN.1.16 sub lineage is a variant of the Omicron strain of the Covid virus that has been tracked by health authorities.
Are the new Covid variants causing severe infections?
Current findings indicate that infections from the JN.1.16 and XFG variants are not leading to severe illness.
How many active Covid cases are currently reported in India?
As of the latest update, there are 6,483 active Covid cases in India.
What monitoring efforts are in place for Covid variants?
The ICMR-NIV is continuously monitoring the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 through whole genome sequencing of samples from 73 Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories across India.
What vaccines are available for Covid in India?
Currently, the available vaccines include Corbivax and COVOVAX, which are based on the Omicron variant.
