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COVID-19 new variant cases increasing rapidly in India


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The new COVID-19 variant known as KP.2 is causing a rise in cases globally. It was first detected in India in early January 2024 and has since spread internationally, becoming the dominant strain in the United States. In India, nearly 100 cases of the KP.2 variant have been reported, with a concentration of cases in the Maharashtra state and Pune region.

The FLiRT Variant Group

According to Dr. Rahul Kendre, a lung transplant physician and interventional pulmonologist, new COVID variants have emerged, and this time it is not a single mutant that we need to be worried about. Instead, it is a group of mutants collectively named FLiRT. The FLiRT variant group comprises KP.2, KP.3, JN.1.7, JN.1.1, and KP.1.1.

Characteristics of the KP.2 Variant

The KP.2 variant is a descendant of the JN.1 variant and has three substitutions in the S protein, including S:R346T and S:F456L. It also has an additional substitution in a non-S protein compared to JN.1. The KP.2 variant is said to be better at evading immunity and slightly more infectious than the JN.1 variant.

Spread and Symptoms

The KP.2 variant is circulating more rapidly compared to the KP.1.1 variant, which is another FLiRT variant. However, as of now, it is not causing severe cases. Patients infected with the KP.2 variant may present with symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, and sometimes with loose motions and gastric upset. In rare cases, especially among immunocompromised patients, pneumonia and breathlessness may occur.

Global Impact and Mortality Risk

The KP.2 variant has spread to various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Thailand. It is currently the dominant COVID-19 strain in the US, accounting for an estimated 28.2% of infections. However, the mortality risk associated with the KP.2 variant is not established at this time.

Precautions and Recommendations

While the KP.2 variant is spreading rapidly, health experts advise taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These precautions include avoiding social gatherings, maintaining social distancing, practicing hand hygiene, and using masks. It is also important to note that the KP.2 variant can be detected by a specific antigen test.

Conclusion

The KP.2 variant of COVID-19, an offshoot of the Omicron strain, is causing a rise in cases globally. It is part of a group of mutants collectively named FLiRT, which includes other variants such as KP.3, JN.1.7, JN.1.1, and KP.1.1. The KP.2 variant is spreading more rapidly compared to the KP.1.1 variant and is slightly more infectious. However, it is not causing severe cases at this time. Precautions such as avoiding social gatherings and practicing good hygiene are recommended to prevent the spread of the variant.

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