Archive · 25 May 2025
New COVID-19 Variants Under Monitoring in India
India has found two new COVID-19 variants called NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, which are related to the Omicron variant.
The WHO is monitoring these new variants.
Experts are studying how easily they spread and if they're more dangerous, like checking if they cause severe illness or death.
Both are classified as Variants Under Monitoring (VUM).
Even with these new variants, experts believe the overall risk remains low.
Health officials recommend everyone to practice safety measures like wearing masks to avoid getting sick.
India has detected two new COVID-19 variants: NB.1.8.1 and LF.7.
NB.1.8.1 was detected in Tamil Nadu and LF.7 in Gujarat.
These variants are classified as Variants Under Monitoring (VUM) by WHO.
NB.1.8.1 may have enhanced transmissibility and immune evasion.
Health experts advise continued preventive measures.
- Who
- WHO, CSIR-Neeri, Indian health institutions
- What
- Detection of new COVID-19 variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7
- When
- April/May 2024
- Where
- India
- Why
- To monitor transmissibility, virulence and assess the impact of new variants.
Public
Health Experts
Response
Public
Continue preventative measures.
Health Experts
Monitor and assess impact of new variants.
- New Variants
- NB.1.8.1 and LF.7
- Origin
- Omicron sub-variants
- Detection
- Tamil Nadu (NB.1.8.1), Gujarat (LF.7)
- WHO Status
- Variants Under Monitoring
- Dominant Variant
- JN.1 (53%) is predominant
- Precautions
- Masks and Hygiene
Sources
Morning Digest: Emergence of new COVID variants detected in India; Jafar Panahi’s ‘It Was Just an Accident’ wins Palme d’Or, and more
News Menu, May 25: PM's meet with NDA Chief Ministers, Amit Shah's Maharashtra tour
India records two new Covid variants; is there anything to worry about
