New Delhi. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortium (INSACOG) has said in its latest bulletin that the Omicron form in India is at the stage of community transmission and the metros which are seeing a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases. , there it has dominated. The government-formed group ‘INSACOG’ to analyze the genome sequencing of COVID-19 also said that the infectious sub-form of Omicron, BA.2, has been found in some parts in the country.
The group said in its January 10 bulletin issued on Sunday that in most of the Omicron cases reported so far, either the patient did not show signs of infection or showed mild symptoms. Hospital and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admissions have increased in the current wave and the danger level has not changed.
“Omicron is now at the level of community transmission in India and it has become dominant in various metropolitan cities where new cases are increasing rapidly,” the bulletin said. The presence of the BA.2 subtype has been found and therefore there is a high probability that the infection may go undetected during the S gene dropout based screening.” The ‘S-gene’ created by the genetic variation of the virus is similar to the oomicron form.
“The recently detected B.1.640.2 lineage is being monitored,” the bulletin said. There is no evidence of its rapid spread. Immunity is expected to penetrate it but at present it is not of ‘worrisome’ nature. Till now, no such case has been detected in India.” The group’s January 3 bulletin, released on Sunday, said Omicron is now at the level of community transmission in India and has become dominant in Delhi and Mumbai, where new cases are increasing rapidly.
“The spread of Omicron in India is no longer possible through foreign travelers but within the country,” the bulletin said. In view of the changing scenario of the spread of infection, work is being done to revise the sample collection and sequencing strategy at INSACOG.”