PUNE: BF.7, the variant currently driving China’s Covid surge, is apparently a known irritant that has been in circulation for nearly two years, albeit sparsely and without causing much damage.
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According to data released by the Scripps Research Institute, 91 countries have had a variant matching the genetic make-up and mutation profile of BF.7 since February 2021. It was finally named BF.7 (also BA.5.2.1.7) and added to the BA.5 Omicron lineage in May 2022, said an Insacog scientist.
Virologists, epidemiologists and infectious diseases experts TOI spoke to said they couldn’t make sense of the renewed alarm over BF.7 given the fact that the variant’s prevalence in sequenced samples had remained 0.5% worldwide. The variant has been seen in only 47,881 sequenced patient samples worldwide since it was identified on February 26 last year, an Insacog official said.
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India ramps up Covid-19 preparedness
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<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advised states to audit Covid-specific facilities following a high-level meeting.</p>
<p>Modi has asked states ensure operational readiness of hospital infrastructure, oxygen cylinders, ventilators and staff.</p>
<p>The government said a certain number of passengers arriving in international flights will be subject to random coronavirus tests from December 24.</p>
<p>Two per cent of passengers in international flights to undergo random testing at airports on arrival.</p>
<p>India has been witnessing a steady decline in cases, with average daily cases falling to 153.</p>
<p>Daily average cases reported globally in the last six weeks have reached 5.9 lakh, prompting strict vigil.</p>
<p>Maharashtra government has decided to take precautionary measures such as random testing on fliers and give a push to the booster dose drive.</p>
<p>If the central government comes up with any guidelines, the CM and deputy CM will direct us on further course of action, said Maharashtra health minister Tanaji Sawant. </p>
<p>Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said the government will run a special drive to give precautionary doses to all those who haven’t taken it yet.</p>
<p>Appealing everyone to take the precautionary dose, Kejriwal said the government has made adequate arrangements for oxygen in case the demand increased.</p>
<p>In Gujarat, major cities are severely lagging in booster doses coverage visa-vis fully vaccinated population in smaller districts.</p>
<p>Analysis of the precaution dose coverage in Gujarat revealed that compared to the state average of 36%, Surat city 20%, Ahmedabad city 21%, Rajkot city 24%, and Gandhinagar city 27%.</p>
<p>The ICU wing being set up for the Covid-19 patients will have 80 beds with ventilators, said Dr Rakesh Joshi of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital</p>
<p>Karnataka government has strongly advised usage of mask in all indoor areas and closed places.</p>
<p>However, Karnataka health minister K Sudhakar said that as of now there are no restrictions on New Year celebrations.</p>
<p>West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said that cases will decide when Covid-19 mandate, including masks, will be introduced.</p>
<p>About the Gangasagar Mela and year-end festivities, Banerjee ruled out any step, saying, “We had conducted it during Covid with curbs in place.” </p>
<p>Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin held a meeting on the steps to be taken to prevent another spike in cases in the state.</p>
<p>Stalin has also asked the airport managers to follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) while testing passengers.</p>
“Despite its presence in several countries over the last 22 months, BF.7 has not contributed significantly to Covid-19 cases, compared to other simultaneously circulating Omicron sub-lineages such as XBB and BQ.1.1. Cumulative prevalence rate of BF.7 worldwide has been 0.5%, which shows it has limited growth potential. So, the scaremongering is uncalled for,” said a virologist involved with Insacog’s genome sequencing programme.
Omicron’s BA.5 itself has low prevalence in India (currently less than 5%). The recombinant XBB is the dominant variant in the country, seen in over 73% of Covid-positive samples.
So, why has there been so much panic over BF.7? “The surge in China can be explained as BF.7 circulating in a largely susceptible population that has had low rates of Covid infection. We also have to consider limited effectiveness of the vaccines being used in China, their low coverage, coupled with the sudden opening up from the zero-Covid policy,” Dr Pujari said.
But there is a catch. “The larger concern is the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to evolve further, into a more immune evasive virus with the potential to cause severe illness among the vulnerable. The virus needs to be continuously monitored and preparedness plans need to be put in place,” he said.
Watch Covid sub-variant BF.7 is highly transmissible: Everything you need to know
