New Delhi. India has recently recorded 324 cases of COVID-19, including 290 cases of the KP.2 variant and 34 cases of the KP.1 variant. These variants first caused global concern when they caused a significant outbreak in Singapore. According to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), the following details have emerged.
Where and how many KP.1 and KP.2 cases were found?
West Bengal: 23 cases
Goa: 1 case
Gujarat: 2 cases
Haryana: 1 case
Maharashtra: 4 cases
Rajasthan: 2 cases
Uttarakhand: 1 case
Cases of KP.2
Maharashtra: 148 cases
Delhi: 1 case
Goa: 12 cases
Gujarat: 23 cases
Haryana: 3 cases
Karnataka: 4 cases
Madhya Pradesh: 1 case
Odisha: 17 cases
Rajasthan: 21 cases
Uttar Pradesh: 8 cases
Uttarakhand: 16 cases
West Bengal: 36 cases
Characteristics of KP.1 and KP.2 variants
– Fever followed by chills or only fever
– persistent cough
– sore throat
– nasal congestion or runny nose
– Headache
– muscle pain
– Difficulty in breathing
– Tiredness
– Loss of taste or smell
– difficulty hearing
– Gastrointestinal problems (eg, upset stomach, mild diarrhea, vomiting)
present situation
So far, no serious cases or hospitalizations directly attributable to these variants have been reported. These variants are known to mutate rapidly, which requires close monitoring. There is no great reason to panic, but caution is warranted due to the variants’ ability to spread rapidly.
How can we avoid these variants?
Individuals with respiratory problems should get tested for influenza, RSV and COVID-19. Wear a mask while going out. Maintain hand hygiene and cleanliness. Strictly follow public health guidelines to reduce the risk of infection. By following these measures, individuals can protect themselves and help stop the spread of these new COVID-19 variants.