Gujarat reports first case of new COVID variant LF.7; 28 cases active

The first case of the new COVID-19 variant LF.7 has been reported in Gujarat, causing concern. So far, only four cases of the LF.7 variant have been detected nationwide. In addition, one case of another variant, NB 1.8.1, has also been reported in India.

Key symptoms of the new variant

Over the past two weeks, there has been a rise in COVID-19 cases. The two main variants involved in this current surge are LF.7 and NB 1.8.1. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is currently studying both these variants. Preliminary data suggests that these two variants are responsible for the recent increase in cases.

Symptoms of these variants include throat irritation, fatigue, mild cough, fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, and gastrointestinal issues. NB 1.8.1 is believed to spread more rapidly than other variants.

Authorities have not yet disclosed where exactly in Gujarat the first LF.7 case was found. All patients who test positive for COVID-19 are undergoing genome sequencing to determine the variant. Currently, Gujarat has 28 active cases and ranks fourth in the country in terms of active cases. However, experts have stated that there is no cause for serious concern at this time.

COVID-19 across India

The number of active cases has crossed 1,000 in the country, with Maharashtra (a neighbouring state of Gujarat) reporting 209 cases and Gujarat reporting 83 cases. The Ministry of Health and state governments are closely monitoring the situation.

According to data released on Monday by the Ministry of Health, the total number of active cases in India has reached 1,009, of which 752 have been confirmed. Two weeks ago, this number stood at 257, but a sudden increase was recorded on Monday. So far, seven deaths have been recorded due to these new variants—four in Maharashtra, two in Kerala, and one in Karnataka.

State-wise COVID-19 cases

The highest number of COVID-19 cases has been reported in Kerala, with 430 active cases. Other states include Maharashtra (209), Delhi (104), Gujarat (83), Tamil Nadu (69), and Karnataka (47). Uttar Pradesh has 15 cases, Rajasthan 13, West Bengal 12, Puducherry and Haryana 9 each, Andhra Pradesh 4, Madhya Pradesh 2, and Chhattisgarh, Goa, and Telangana with one case each. The total number of active cases in India is now 1,009. Several states like Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir currently have no active cases.

According to official sources from the Health Ministry, a high-level review meeting was recently held under the chairmanship of the Director General of Health Services (DGHS). Participants included experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, the Disaster Management Cell, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and central government hospitals. Continuous monitoring and assessment of the situation are underway.

The national capital, Delhi, has also seen a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, with 104 active cases reported. Recently, Delhi’s Health Minister Dr Pankaj Singh addressed the public through a video message, urging people not to panic. He stated, “I don’t think there is any reason to worry. All our hospitals are fully prepared for any situation. Adequate arrangements, including oxygen, are in place. If any emergency arises, we are fully ready.” An advisory on COVID-19 has also been issued in Delhi.