India is closely monitoring the emergence of COVID-19 sub-variants, on West Bengal amid concerns over the KP.1 and KP.2 strains, which are linked to the recent surge in cases in Singapore. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has reported a total of 324 cases, comprising 290 KP.2 and 34 KP.1 instances.
Notably, West Bengal has seen a significant portion of KP.1 cases, with 23 occurrences identified. Similarly, Maharashtra leads in KP.2 instances, with 148 cases detected. These sub-variants have spread across various states and Union territories, prompting heightened surveillance efforts to track their trajectory.
Despite the rise in cases, INSACOG emphasizes that there has been no significant increase in hospitalizations or severe cases, mitigating concerns of widespread panic. The surveillance system remains sensitive and adept at detecting new variants, with structured sampling protocols in place, particularly in hospital settings.
Meanwhile, India’s neighboring country, Singapore, is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, with over 25,900 infections recorded from May 5 to 11, predominantly attributed to KP.1 and KP.2 variants. This surge has prompted health advisories, urging preventive measures such as mask-wearing.
Globally, variants within the JN.1 lineage, including KP.1 and KP.2, remain predominant, with KP.2 designated as a Variant Under Monitoring by the World Health Organization (WHO). These variants, collectively known as ‘FLiRT,’ are descendants of the JN.1 variant, originating from the Omicron lineage, and are characterized by specific mutations.
India’s proactive surveillance, particularly in states like West Bengal, underscores the nation’s commitment to monitoring and responding to emerging COVID-19 variants. By leveraging data-driven approaches and collaborative efforts, India aims to mitigate the impact of these variants on public health while remaining vigilant against evolving threats.
