Indore: New Omicron Sub-Lineages Detected, Fresh Covid Surge Hits City; Genome Sequencing Confirms XFG And LF.7.9 Variants

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): New sub-lineages of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the state. The National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, identified the variants through genome sequencing.

According to a report received by Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, the Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of seven COVID-positive patients from Indore revealed the presence of two sub-lineages: XFG and LF.7.9, both of which are currently active in the state.

Of the seven samples, five tested positive for the XFG lineage, while two were identified as LF.7.9. Both sub-lineages belong to the Omicron (BA.2-like) family. The testing was conducted using the Oxford Nanopore sequencing platform.

Meanwhile, another COVID-19 case was reported in Indore on Tuesday, taking the city’s total count to 16 in the latest surge. The patient, a 62-year-old man with a travel history to Ahmedabad, is exhibiting mild symptoms and has been placed under home isolation.

According to chief medical and health officer Dr B.S. Setia, most of the recently detected cases have travel links, indicating external transmission. “In the past month, we’ve recorded 16 COVID-positive patients from Indore, most with recent travel backgrounds,” he said.

Health authorities are keeping a close watch, with testing actively being conducted at MRTB and M.Y. Hospital. Though the situation is under control, Dr Setia advised citizens to stay cautious and get tested if symptoms appear.

Government hospitals in Indore are on standby with over 13,000 beds, including 6,000 oxygen and ICU beds, to deal with any emergency spike.