XXB Variant of Covid: The threat of newer variations increases throughout the holiday season along with the amount of reported Covid-19 cases. There has been an increase in the XXB variant of Covid-19, which some scientists claim is the most contagious variant, in the heavily populated areas of Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad in Maharashtra.
Between October 10 and 16, there was a 17.7% increase in Covid-19 instances in the state compared to the prior week.
Which XXB version is it?
In August, XXB was found in Singapore. It is a cross between the BA.2.75 and BJ.1 sub-variants of Omicron. It has now been observed in 17 different nations. The XBB variety is thought to have a “growth edge” over BA.2.75 and immunological evasion characteristics.
The accumulation of modifications to the virus’ spike surface protein, according to researchers, led to the development of the new version.
According to scientists working on genome sequencing, 88% of new infections in India were brought on by BA.2.75 while only 7% were brought on by XXB. The recent increase of new Covid cases in the island nation of Singapore can be ascribed to the fact that XXB predominates there. At its airport, Thailand has increased screening for visitors. Authorities in Europe are likewise keeping a careful eye on the situation.
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Is the XXB variation fatal?
On the spike protein, XXB has seven mutations. It is known that the immune system finds it difficult to identify Covid-19’s XXB version. To enter the body and develop a serious infection, the variation circumvents the immune system.
As per some experts, Covid variation XXB is the most contagious.
It is still unknown, though, if the virus produces serious illness that requires hospitalisation. Hospitalization will reportedly only be necessary in emergency situations, according to some experts. However, everyone agrees that elderly people and people with comorbid conditions should exercise greater caution and wear masks to protect themselves.
According to some specialists, Covid variation XXB is the most contagious. Amesh Adalja of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security says, “it is probably the most immune-evasive and raises issues for current monoclonal antibody-based treatments and preventative strategy.” According to some studies, Covid vaccinations won’t be able to protect people from this version, making them useless.
Additionally, there are hints that XXB might increase the number of reinfections.
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Instances of XXB in India
There have been 18 cases of the Covid-19 XXB variant recorded from Maharashtra. The Maharashtra Health Department has issued a warning that the XXB variant will peak in mid-November, following the conclusion of the holiday season. The government also emphasised that densely populated districts like Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad are where the recent surge has been most evident.
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