Archive · 19 Jun 2025
New Omicron Sub-Variants Identified in India, Driving Surge
Scientists at NIV Pune have found four new versions of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in India.
These are spreading and causing more people to get sick.
The most recent one is called XFG, which includes LF.7 and LP.81.2, having mostly replaced JN.1.16, which was spreading before.
Scientists study these variants to see how well the vaccines are working.
Right now, the new variants don't seem to be making people very sick, and most people can recover at home.
The government is keeping a close eye on the situation.
Some states like Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Delhi are seeing the most cases, but the number of active cases is slightly decreasing.
NIV Pune identified four new Omicron sub-variants driving the current surge in COVID-19 cases in India.
The sub-variants detected include LF.7, XFG, JN.1.16, and NB.1.8.1.
JN.1.16 initially caused the surge, but XFG, including LF.7 and LP.81.2, has largely replaced it since May.
Genome sequencing is critical to assess vaccine efficacy and the need for new vaccines.
The severity of infections remains low, and active cases have slightly decreased.
- Who
- The National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune.
- What
- NIV Pune identified four new Omicron sub-variants.
- When
- The discovery was announced on Wednesday, with the surge initially caused by JN.1.16, but mostly replaced by XFG since May.
- Where
- Across India, with the NIV located in Pune.
- Why
- To understand the current COVID-19 situation, monitor vaccine effectiveness, and determine the need for updated vaccines.
Vaccine Effectiveness Assessment
Severity of infection.
Vaccine Efficacy
Vaccine Effectiveness Assessment
Genome sequencing is essential to understand vaccine efficacy.
Severity of infection.
The current vaccines are in use and effective in managing current cases
- Sub-variants Identified
- LF.7, XFG, JN.1.16, NB.1.8.1
- Institute
- National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune
- Initial Surge Cause
- JN.1.16
- Current Dominant Variant
- XFG (including LF.7 and LP.81.2)
- Vaccines Available
- Corbevax and Covovax (Omicron-based)
- Active Cases (as of June 18)
- 6,483
- Deaths Since Jan 1
- 113 (primarily those with pre-existing conditions)